How to Do the Running Man

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 16, 2022

The Running Man is a hip-hop dance move that was popular in the 1980s. This dance move mimics the movement you make while running, and it is a great cardio workout that can help increase your heart rate. This classic dance move recently became popular again on social media platforms. To master the Running Man, concentrate on lifting your knees and arms toward your chest, add new moves to challenge yourself, and record and share your dance moves for your friends and family to enjoy.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Learning the Basics of the Running Man

1
Pull your elbows back. In this dance move, you will be pulling both elbows in toward your sides simultaneously. To begin, make a loose fist with each hand. Bend your elbows to a 90° angle and keep them tucked against your side. Slightly straighten your elbows and push your arms forward slightly. This movement will move your elbows away for your sides. Quickly pull them back in toward you.^{[1]
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- Pump your arms like this several times to get the feel of the movement.
2
Lift your right knee toward your chest. As you pump your elbows in and out, keep your feet aligned with your hips. Incorporate the leg motions by lifting your right knee in an upward motion toward your chest. As you lift your knee up, your elbows should come back toward your sides. Try to bring your knee to a 90° angle.
- Consider wearing sneakers or dance shoes so you can grip the floor and avoid injuring yourself.
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3
Lower your foot back to the floor. After you have pulled your right knee toward your chest, begin to lower your foot back to the floor. Straighten your arms as you lower your foot.^{[2]
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4
Drag your left foot back. As your right foot meets the floor, lean slightly forward and keep your weight on your right foot. Drag your left foot backward across the floor and lift your heel.^{[3]
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5
Pull your left knee toward your chest. Once you have dragged your left foot backward, use that momentum to pull up your left knee toward your chest. Make a 90° angle with your knee and bring your elbows back in to your sides.
6
Plant your left foot and drag your right foot back. Lower your left foot back to the floor and plant your left foot on the ground. Lean forward slightly, place your weight on your left foot, and straighten your arms again. Drag your right foot backward across the floor.
7
Pick up the pace. Once you have mastered bringing your knees to your chest and tucking your elbows in and out by your sides, try to perform the motions more quickly. These movements will make you appear that you are running in place.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Various Movements

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Grab your ankle with your hand. After you have mastered the basic movements, you can make the dance more interesting by adding new motions. Instead of dragging your right or left foot backward, gently grab your ankle with the same hand and lift.^{[4]
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- You can do this motion with every step or you can insert it on whatever step you’d like.
2
Bring your opposite hand toward your head. As you pull your foot backward with your hand, lift your opposite hand to the side of your head. Keep your elbow bent and place the palm of your hand on the side of your head. You can place your palm behind or above your ear.^{[5]
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Research source} Lower your arm as you alternate knees.
3
Replace the lift with a kick. Instead of lifting your knee toward your chest, kick your leg backward.^{[6]
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Research source} Begin by lifting your leg up slightly to gain momentum. When it is halfway toward your chest, flex your foot and push backward. Imagine you are pushing off of the wall behind you.
4
Place one hand on your knee. As you kick the wall, place your hand on your knee. If you are kicking with your left knee, lightly place your left hand on your knee. If you are kicking with your right knee, place your right hand on your knee.^{[7]
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5
Lift your opposite hand up toward your head. As your hand rests on your knee, bring your opposite hand toward your head. Bend your elbow to a 45° angle and place your fingertips behind your ear. Lower your arm as you lower your leg.^{[8]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Participating in the Running Man Challenge

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Record your dance moves. The Running Man became a popular dance move again as it gained popularity on social media. Many people recorded their moves and shared it online to participate in this viral dance challenge. To show off your new moves, use a recorder or the video recording feature on your cell phone to capture your moves.^{[9]
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- Ask a friend or family member to join you.
- Think of fun, interesting places to do the Running Man to make others laugh. Dance in a parking lot outside of school, or bundle up in warm clothes and dance in your yard after a snow storm.
2
Upload the video to social media. Once you have recorded your dance, upload it to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or another social media website. Let your friends and family enjoy the dance craze challenge.^{[10]
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Use the appropriate hashtag. As you upload your video, use the hashtag #RunningManChallenge in the description or the comments section.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

I did this in front of a few friends and they said that I needed to find a more modern dance, what do you recommend?

Community Answer

Try the Mask Off Challenge and do more hip hop moves, like dolphin diving and moonwalking.