Cable glute kickback alternatives

A standing kickback machine retains one-leg hip extension with torso support. Single-leg hip thrusts and floor bridges offer broader hip-extension movements with different support.

The original moves one thigh backward from a low-cable ankle cuff while holding the frame for balance. A leg lever changes the knee and support; hip lifting changes the moving body segments and loading.

Two-frame rear three-quarter illustration of a woman facing a cable machine with an ankle cuff, moving one nearly straight leg behind her while the glute and upper hamstring are highlighted.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Two side views of a man using a standing glute machine with torso and forearm pads, one planted foot and a padded lever against the other lower leg. The working leg moves backward between frames, with the gluteal region shaded red.

    Similar movement

    Glute kickback machine

    You need: Standing glute kickback machine with torso and forearm pads and a leg lever

    Why it fits
    Keeps one-leg backward movement at the hip against resistance.
    What changes
    Use the linked standing machine with torso and forearm pads and a padded leg lever. Its working knee begins bent instead of the cable guide’s softly bent leg; keep the pelvis facing forward and train both sides.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a bodyweight single-leg hip thrust at the lowered and raised positions, with the working-side glute highlighted.

    Different movement

    Single-leg hip thrust

    You need: Flat bench

    Why it fits
    Offers another one-leg hip-extension task with support.
    What changes
    Rest the upper back on a stable flat bench and drive through one planted foot with the other leg raised. Bodyweight hip lifting replaces the backward cable leg movement; keep the pelvis level and train both sides.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a bodyweight glute bridge shown lying down and with the hips raised, with the gluteal region highlighted.

    Different movement

    Glute bridge

    You need: Floor space (no equipment)

    Why it fits
    Offers a broader two-foot hip-extension task on the floor.
    What changes
    Keep the shoulders on the floor and press through both planted feet to lift the hips. Both legs share bodyweight work rather than one cuffed leg moving backward; use a separate repetition target.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

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