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Last updated March 5, 2026
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AbductorsGlutes
Kickback (Cable)
Stand facing the cable machine with a cuff on your ankle. Kick your leg straight back, squeezing your glute. Keep your hips square to the machine.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Low-Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Glutes (max)
Secondary
Hamstrings
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Cable
Movement pattern
Unilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Attach a cable handle to the low pulley of a cable machine.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart, and grab the handle with one hand.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Step back slightly to create tension in the cable, and hinge forward at your hips while keeping your back straight.
- Bend your knees slightly and engage your core to stabilize your body.
- Step 3Start Position
- With your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, position your arm so that your upper arm is close to your body.
- Your forearm should be parallel to the ground, ready to extend.
- Step 4Perform the Kickback
- Extend your arm back by straightening your elbow while keeping your upper arm stationary.
- Focus on squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
- Step 5Return to Start
- Slowly lower your arm back to the starting position, maintaining control of the movement.
- Ensure that your elbow stays close to your body throughout the exercise.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one arm before switching to the other arm.
- Maintain proper form and control during each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the cable handle.
- Step away from the machine and ensure your area is clear before leaving.
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