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Donkey Kicks Alternative

12 substitute exercises that target the same muscles

1
Glute Bridge Hold with Kick demonstration

Glute Bridge Hold with Kick
2
Kneeling Forward Hip Circles demonstration

Kneeling Forward Hip Circles
3
Quadruped Leg Curl demonstration

Quadruped Leg Curl
4
Kneeling Pulse demonstration

Kneeling Pulse
5
Glute Bridge March demonstration

Glute Bridge March
6
Y Leg Squeeze and Curl demonstration

Y Leg Squeeze and Curl
7
Bodyweight Swing demonstration

Bodyweight Swing
8
Step Knee Thrust demonstration

Step Knee Thrust
9
Archer Stepback demonstration

Archer Stepback
10
Bridge Hip Abduction demonstration

Bridge Hip Abduction
11
Kneeling Back Leg Lift demonstration

Kneeling Back Leg Lift
12
Bird Dog demonstration

Bird Dog

Criteria used to find exercise alternatives

Same target muscles

We rank alternatives highest when their primary muscles exactly match. i.e: same target muscle, different movement.

Full muscle overlap

Secondary muscles and synergists are scored too, keeping the overall movement pattern close to the original lift.

Equipment considered

Equipment overlap nudges similar-kit options up the list. But we include different-equipment alternatives too so you're never stuck.

What the Donkey Kicks trains

Primary Gluteus Maximus

Secondary Gluteus Medius Gluteus Minimus Hamstrings Rectus Abdominis

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