What type of exercises are clamshells and kickbacks?

Clamshells and kickbacks are types of exercises specifically designed to target the glute muscles, making them effective for strength training. These exercises focus on engaging and activating the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and other stabilizing muscles around the hips.

By performing clamshells, individuals open and close their knees against resistance, which isolates the glute medius, crucial for hip stability and strength. Kickbacks, on the other hand, involve extending the leg backward, targeting the gluteus maximus, which contributes to overall hip strength and power. The primary goal of both exercises is to improve muscular strength, endurance, and coordination in the gluteal region, contributing to overall lower body strength and function.

These exercises are not classified as cardio, which primarily focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance, nor are they flexibility exercises that aim to increase the range of motion in the muscles and joints. While isolation exercises can target specific muscles, clamshells and kickbacks' primary purpose is to develop strength in the glute muscles specifically, which reinforces why the selection of strength training exercises for glutes is accurate.