Flutter kicks are basically exercises that target the glutes, thighs and abs. These exercises are a great way to improve core strength and stability. The great thing about these exercises is that you can do them at home, in your office (during breaks) as well as in the gym. So whether you have a home gym or an Equinox Fitness membership, consider doing flutter kicks to have a stronger and toned lower body.
Benefits of Flutter Kicks
Need a reason to start doing flutter kick exercises? How about 9? Take a look at these benefits:
1. It burns calories fast.
Depending on your current body weight as well as the intensity and duration of your exercise, you can burn anywhere between 50 to 120 calories.
2. It’s a great cardio workout.
Flutter kick is simple aerobic exercise that is not only good for toning problem areas but also aids in heart health.
3. It tones the lower body.
Doing flutter kicks can help you get sculpted lower abs, thighs and hips.
4. It burns body fat.
The toughest and most stubborn fat of all are the ones you can find in your abdominal area. But when you work on this area regularly, you can get rid of the extra flab and eventually give your abs more definition.
5. It strengthens the legs.
Swimmers do flutter kick movements in the water in order to make them swim faster. The regular workout their legs get is the reason why their thighs are so sculpted.
6. It improves posture.
Raising your legs repeatedly off the ground as you lie flat on your back on the mat can help correct a poor posture.
7. It reduces back pain.
When we spend too much time sitting in front of the computer, we end up with achy and weak backs. Fortunately, with regular flutter kicks you can work on the muscles of your back and help them get stronger.
8. It increases flexibility.
The stretching and the movements performed when doing this exercise can, not only define your glutes, abs, back and thighs but also helps you become more flexible by getting rid of the tightness in these areas.
9. It improves endurance.
Regular exercise can boost your endurance level. The key is to constantly challenge your muscles. So if you find 5 minutes of flutter kicks too easy, increase it to 10 minutes. You can also increase your speed.
How to Do Flutter Kick Exercises the Right Way
Doing the exercise correctly is more important than being able to do it for long periods at a time. So if you want to get the most from this workout, follow these tips:
- First, you need to keep your core engaged.
- Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and your back is flat on the floor.
- Do not tuck in your chin.
- When you get started, your feet should not touch the floor.
- Maintain proper breathing.
You can do your flutter kicks in increments of 5 minutes, if you can. Then gradually increase the duration and/or the speed as you find each one easier than before. For example, instead of just doing one set of 5 minutes of flutter kicks, you can do 2 in the next session, and so on.