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🍑 Glutes Intermediate

Cable Glute Kickback

Attaching an ankle strap to a low cable, you kick the leg backward and slightly up while keeping the torso steady. It isolates the glutes and keeps constant tension through the whole range, which makes it a good finisher after heavier glute work.

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3
Sets
15
Reps
Cable
Equipment
5.00
Cal/min
🎯
Primary
Glutes
➕
Secondary
Hamstrings
1
Attach an ankle cuff to a low cable pulley and secure it around your ankle.
2
Face the machine, hold onto it for balance, and keep a slight bend in your standing leg.
3
Keeping your working leg mostly straight, kick it back and up by squeezing your glute.
4
Pause briefly at the top of the movement — don't swing or use momentum.
5
Return slowly to the start and complete all reps before switching sides.
Isolates the glute max without loading the spine, and the constant tension from the cable keeps the muscle working at the top of the movement. It is also easy to train one side at a time for balance.
Do 3 sets of 12 to 20 reps per leg with a slow return. Hold the cable frame for balance, and lift the leg only as far as you can without arching the lower back.
Safe. Hold the frame for balance, use a snug ankle strap and stop if you feel pain in the lower back.
Make it harderslow tempo and pauses at the top.
Make it easierlighter weight and a shorter range.

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How many reps should I do on the cable glute kickback?

Around 12 to 20 slow reps per leg works well, with a short squeeze at the top of each rep.

Should I lean on the machine during kickbacks?

Light support for balance is fine, but keep the hips square and avoid arching the back so the glute does the work.

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