Back to library

Exercise Library

Cable Pull-Through

A low-cable hip hinge that teaches and trains explosive hip extension for the glutes and hamstrings while keeping load off the lower back.

LegsCableHip hinge
GoLightWeight mediacable-pull-through

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Glutes

Secondary

HamstringsSpinal erectorsAdductors

Equipment

Cable

Pattern

Hip hinge

Setup

  1. 01Set the pulley to its lowest position with a rope or handle attachment.
  2. 02Straddle the cable facing away from the stack and grip the attachment between your legs.
  3. 03Step forward until the cable is taut and set feet slightly wider than hip width.
  4. 04Brace with a neutral spine and soft knees.

Execution

  1. 01Hinge by pushing the hips straight back toward the stack.
  2. 02Let the hands travel between the legs while the back stays flat.
  3. 03Reverse by driving the hips forward into a full glute squeeze.
  4. 04Stand completely tall at the top without leaning back.

Checkpoints

  • -Shins stay near vertical while hips do the traveling.
  • -Spine holds one neutral line from hinge to lockout.
  • -Tension stays on the glutes at the top, not the arms.
  • -Balance stays mid-foot even as the cable pulls backward.

Common mistakes

  • -Bending the knees too much and squatting the rep.
  • -Rounding the back to chase extra range.
  • -Using the arms to swing the attachment forward.
  • -Standing so close to the stack that the top of the rep has no tension.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 12 to 20 reps as a glute accessory or hinge-pattern primer.
  • -Excellent as the first movement on a lower day to groove the hinge before deadlifts.
  • -Progress by adding weight only while lockout stays crisp; form breaks down quickly when overloaded.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play