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Marching on the Spot exercise demonstration
Exercise library

Marching on the Spot

Lifting alternate knees while standing near support, building hip flexor strength and single-leg confidence.

Area
Balance
Stage
Early rehab
Equipment
A kitchen worktop or sturdy chair for support

Typical dose: 2 sets × 20 reps · once a day, 5 days a week. This is a general starting point, not a plan matched to your condition or stage.

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How to do it

You need: A kitchen worktop or sturdy chair for support.

Stand tall behind a worktop or a sturdy chair with one or both hands resting on it. Have your feet hip-width apart.

  1. Lift one knee up towards hip height, or as high as feels comfortable.
  2. Lower that foot back to the floor with control.
  3. Lift the other knee in the same way.
  4. Keep alternating in a steady marching rhythm.

Form cues

  • You stand tall throughout, not leaning back as the knee comes up.
  • Each foot is placed down softly, not stamped.
  • You could hold a conversation while marching - the pace is comfortable.

Common mistakes

  • Bending forwards to bring your chest down to meet the knee.
  • Marching so fast you lose control of where your foot lands.
  • Leaning heavily on your hands instead of using your legs.

Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, a near-fall, or new dizziness or leg weakness.

Part of these recovery programmes

This exercise is one step in a staged plan for the conditions below. Each link opens the full programme and shows where this exercise fits.

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