Abstract: A side kick machine can be used as an exerciser or a simulator for side kicking. The machine has a kicking pad that can be adjusted in height and a handle that can be adjusted in various directions relative to the kicking pad. A stack of weights is used to vary the force required to move the kicking pad. The kicking pad can pivot from a rest position to a pivotal position in a direction away from the handle when subjected to an external force and return automatically to its rest position when the external force is removed.