How to Do Donkey Kicks for Stronger Glutes

Donkey kicks are a lower-body move that targets the glutes. In this video, certified trainer Jennifer Jacobs shows the proper form for donkey kick exercises.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on September 30, 2023

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Your glutes give your body power, helping you move with more strength, agility, and speed. Need proof? Look no further than Olympic runners. You’ll quickly notice how the sprinters — those running 100-meter dashes — tend to have fuller, more developed glutes, compared to the leaner glutes of long-distance runners. That’s because it takes a lot of leg power to sprint at an Olympic level, while long-distance runners can rely more on stamina.

To build up those glutes for legs that can propel up your basement stairs or squat to pick up a laundry basket with ease, you can add moves like donkey kick exercises to your workout. This simple move requires no equipment and can be done just about anywhere.