How to Do Monster Walk
Start and end of one clean rep of Monster Walk.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Glutes |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Resistance bands |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Monster Walk
- Place a band around both ankles and another around both knees. There should be enough tension that they are tight when your feet are shoulder width apart.
- To begin, take short steps forward alternating your left and right foot.
- After several steps, do just the opposite and walk backward to where you started.
Muscles worked
- Glutes (primary): extends and stabilises the hip — the engine behind hinges, squats and sprints.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
With bands, heavier means a thicker band or more pre-stretch — chase reps and tension rather than a barbell number.
Form tips
- Finish each rep by squeezing the glutes and standing fully tall, without over-arching the back.
- Anchor the band securely and stand where there's already tension at the start of the rep, not just at the top.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Control the lowering phase — a 2–3 second descent builds more than dropping the weight.
Common mistakes
- Turning a hip hinge into a squat and losing the stretch on the glutes.
- Ignoring the band's changing resistance and rushing the hardest, most-stretched part of the rep.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Monster Walk work?
Monster Walk is a focused movement that primarily works the glutes.
What equipment do I need for Monster Walk?
Monster Walk needs a resistance band and a sturdy anchor point.
How many sets and reps should I do for Monster Walk?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. With bands, heavier means a thicker band or more pre-stretch — chase reps and tension rather than a barbell number.
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