9 Exercises that start with K (How to, Muscles Worked, Calorie Burn)
Incorporating a diverse range of exercises into your fitness routine is key to achieving a well-rounded and effective workout.
If you’re on the lookout for exercises that start with the letter “K,” you’re in for a treat! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore nine kinetically stimulating exercises that will invigorate your workouts.
Get ready to embrace the power of K with these fantastic exercises!
Kettlebell Swings
How To: Kettlebell swings are a dynamic full-body exercise that targets the hips, glutes, and hamstrings. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the kettlebell with both hands. Hinge at the hips and swing the kettlebell back between your legs.
Explosively drive your hips forward, propelling the kettlebell up to shoulder height. Allow the kettlebell to swing back down between your legs and repeat.
Intensity Level: Kettlebell swings are suitable for intermediate to advanced fitness levels. Beginners should start with lighter kettlebells and focus on mastering the proper form before progressing to heavier weights.
Muscles Worked: Kettlebell swings primarily target the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, while also engaging the core and shoulders.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of kettlebell swings can burn approximately 150 to 200 calories.
Knee Push-Ups
How To: Knee push-ups are a modified version of the traditional push-up, making them suitable for beginners or those working on building upper body strength.
Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees on the ground. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows, and then push back up to the starting position.
Intensity Level: Knee push-ups are beginner-friendly and can be adjusted by changing the angle of your body. The higher your knees are off the ground, the easier the exercise becomes.
Muscles Worked: Knee push-ups primarily target the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of knee push-ups can burn approximately 50 to 70 calories.
Knee Tucks (Mountain Climbers)
How To: Knee tucks, also known as mountain climbers, are a fantastic cardio exercise that engages the core and lower body. Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Bring one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs in a running motion.
Intensity Level: Knee tucks are suitable for all fitness levels and can be performed at a controlled pace. Beginners can start with slower repetitions and gradually increase the speed as they build stamina.
Muscles Worked: Knee tucks primarily target the core, hip flexors, and shoulders.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of knee tucks can burn approximately 100 to 150 calories.
Kneeling Push-Downs (Triceps Push-Downs)
How To: Kneeling push-downs, also known as triceps push-downs, are excellent for isolating and strengthening the triceps. Attach a resistance band or a cable machine handle to a high anchor point.
Kneel down with your back straight and hold the band or handle with your palms facing down. Push the band or handle down towards the floor until your arms are fully extended, and then return to the starting position.
Intensity Level: Kneeling push-downs can be adjusted by controlling the resistance. Beginners can start with lighter resistance and gradually increase as they build triceps strength.
Muscles Worked: Kneeling push-downs primarily target the triceps, with secondary engagement of the shoulders and chest.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of kneeling push-downs can burn approximately 50 to 70 calories.
Knee Raises (Hanging Leg Raises)
How To: Knee raises, also known as hanging leg raises, are an effective exercise for targeting the lower abs and building core strength.
Hang from a pull-up bar with your arms fully extended and your palms facing away from your body. Engage your core and lift your knees towards your chest. Lower your knees back down with control.
Intensity Level: Knee raises can be challenging for beginners. Modification can be done by bending the knees and lifting them toward the chest instead of straightening the legs.
Muscles Worked: Knee raises primarily target the lower abdominals and hip flexors.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of knee raises can burn approximately 70 to 100 calories.
Knee Hugs (Seated Knee Hugs)
How To: Knee hugs, also known as seated knee hugs, are a stretching exercise that helps improve flexibility and mobility in the hips and lower back. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
Bend one knee and hug it towards your chest, holding it with both hands. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, then release and repeat on the other leg.
Intensity Level: Knee hugs are a low-intensity exercise suitable for all fitness levels.
Muscles Worked: Knee hugs primarily target the hip flexors and lower back, while also providing a gentle stretch for the hamstrings.
Average Calorie Burn: Knee hugs are a stretching exercise and may not significantly contribute to calorie burn. However, they play an essential role in improving flexibility and mobility.
Kettlebell Goblet Squats
How To: Kettlebell goblet squats are a fantastic lower body exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Hold a kettlebell close to your chest with both hands, keeping your elbows pointed downward.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out. Lower your body into a squat position by pushing your hips back and bending your knees.
Ensure your knees stay aligned with your toes. Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
Intensity Level: Kettlebell goblet squats are suitable for all fitness levels and can be adjusted by controlling the weight of the kettlebell.
Muscles Worked: Kettlebell goblet squats primarily target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core.
Average Calorie Burn: A 15-minute session of kettlebell goblet squats can burn approximately 100 to 150 calories.
Kickboxing
How To: Kickboxing is a high-energy cardio workout that combines martial arts techniques with aerobics. You can perform kickboxing moves, including punches, kicks, and knee strikes, either with a partner or in a group fitness class. The constant movement and combination of upper and lower body exercises make it a full-body workout.
Intensity Level: Kickboxing workouts can be adapted to suit different fitness levels. Beginners can start with basic moves and gradually increase the intensity and complexity of the routines.
Muscles Worked: Kickboxing engages the entire body, including the arms, shoulders, core, legs, and glutes.
Average Calorie Burn: A 30-minute kickboxing session can burn approximately 300 to 400 calories, depending on the intensity and duration of the workout.
Conclusion
Incorporating these nine kinetically stimulating exercises that start with the letter “K” into your fitness routine can add excitement and variety to your workouts.
From dynamic movements like kettlebell swings and knee tucks to strength-building exercises like kettlebell goblet squats and kneeling push-downs, these activities offer a well-rounded approach to improving overall strength, cardiovascular fitness, and core stability.
