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Glutes

Cable glute kickback: how to do it right

In the glute kickback you drive one leg back with an ankle strap attached to the low pulley. It isolates your glute.

Main muscle
Glutes
Also works
Hamstrings
Equipment
Low cable with ankle strap
Level
Beginner
Cable glute kickback: start position
Start position
Cable glute kickback: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Attach the ankle strap to the low pulley and fasten it around one ankle.
  2. Facing the pulley, hold on with your hands and lean your torso slightly.
  3. Drive your leg back with your knee almost straight, squeezing your glute.
  4. Return slowly.

Tip: Squeeze your glute for a second with your leg back.

Common mistakes

Arching your back

If your back arches, your glute works less. Lift your leg only as far as you control it.

Swinging your leg

Control the movement in both directions.

Rotating your hips

Your hips stay facing the pulley.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

How many reps?

Between 12 and 20 per leg works well.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add cable glute kickback to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.