The Flutter Kick is the perfect core exercise for a powerful pedal stroke.
The Flutter Kick exercise, and variations of it, are great for targeting the lower abdominal muscles, in addition to the glutes, hip flexors, and quads.
An essential core exercise for cyclists because it stresses the core while moving the legs in a reciprocal motion, very similar to the pedal stroke, thereby increasing trunk strength and providing a stable base for the dynamics of cycling.
Key Tips for Proper Form
- Start by lying on your back with knees bent and flatten your pelvis, and low back down to the floor.
- Brace and hold this position as you straighten your legs forward and off the floor.
- Make sure your lower back is pressed against the ground and aim to keep your legs straight and raised at a 45-degree angle.
- Do not allow your low back to arch upwards for the entire exercise.
- Relax your head and neck and keep your chin tucked to avoid neck strain.
- Stabilize your shoulders on your torso by tucking in your shoulder blades.
- Squeeze your thighs and glutes.
- Brace your core, stabilize your spine, and breathe comfortably throughout the exercise.
- Perform in a slow and controlled manner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t arch your back or let it rise from the surface on which you are exercising. If it does, then take a break and start over.
- Don’t let your spine or trunk twist or rotate.
- Don’t strain your neck by lifting it up or to the side.
- Don’t let your shoulder blades wing out by keeping your shoulders stabilized on your ribs.
- Absolutely do not hold your breath.
Straight Leg Raise
While lying on your back with your knees straight, raise up both legs off the floor.
Use your stomach muscles to keep your spine from moving.
Lower legs closer to the floor to progress this exercise.
Flutter Kicks
Lie faceup with legs straight and feet flexed.
Place both hands palms down on either side of hips for support.
Use your abdominals to lift legs about 45 degrees off the floor and flutter them—lift left leg, then right, then left, and repeat.
Scissor Kicks
While lying on your back, place your hands at your sides.
Use your abdominals to lift your legs about 45 degrees off the floor.
Raise your legs in the air and move them in and out in an alternate scissoring motion as shown, crossing one leg over the other.
Bicycle
While lying on your back with your knees bent, raise both feet and straighten one out in front of you.
Then return the leg and straighten the other.
You should know how to do this one!
Conclusion: The Flutter Kick Series
When it comes to core exercises that target your hard-to-reach lower abs, the flutter kick and variations of it are some of the best options.
Doing so in a way that challenges your trunk while alternating movement of your legs, much in the same way that pedaling does, helps to improve your core’s stability and strength and your cycling base.
You will be able to pedal with more pain-free power with less postural fatigue. Making your ride faster, improve your endurance, and help you to enjoy every second of it.
Check out this recent post on the importance of Core Strength for Cyclists.
Including these on the Front Plank and Side Plank.
If you would like to know why it is so important, this recent post on Low Back Pain while cycling will help.
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
Joy, a native Floridian, USA Tri Level 1 Certified Coach, and founder of EnJoy Fitness, began virtual cycling three years ago as a way to complete longer rides safe from the busy streets of Jacksonville. She now incorporates Zwifting into her normal training routine, and finds extra motivation in having her Husband and Son nearby to cheer her on. Her cat Jasmine remains unimpressed. www.EnJoyFitnessJax.com
Thanks, love the articles and it’s given me an eye opener on how important the core is and neglected.
I’m working on periformis syndrome and cycle often.
I’m following your routines and finding it helping to strengthen my core and reduce pain while increasing my performance.
Core is Key! Check out the article on Low Back Pain. It may help. Thank you for your support James!