Back to library
Exercise Library
Cable Standing Hip Extension
A single-leg cable kickback that isolates the glutes through pure hip extension, useful for adding targeted glute volume and fixing side-to-side imbalances.
LegsCableHip extension
GoLightWeight mediacable-standing-hip-extension
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Gluteus maximus
Secondary
HamstringsSpinal erectorsCore
Equipment
Cable
Pattern
Hip extension
Setup
- 01Set the pulley to its lowest position and strap an ankle cuff to the working leg.
- 02Face the stack and hold the frame lightly with both hands for balance.
- 03Step back until the cable is taut with the working leg slightly in front.
- 04Hinge the torso forward a few degrees and brace the trunk.
Execution
- 01Drive the cuffed leg straight back by squeezing the glute.
- 02Extend until the hip is fully open, roughly 15 to 25 degrees behind the body.
- 03Hold the contraction briefly at the top.
- 04Return under control until the knee travels slightly in front of the standing leg.
Checkpoints
- -The movement comes from the hip, not from arching the lower back.
- -Pelvis stays square to the machine on every rep.
- -Knee of the working leg stays nearly straight throughout.
- -The standing leg holds a soft knee and quiet, stable foot.
Common mistakes
- -Arching the lumbar spine to fake extra range.
- -Swinging the leg with momentum instead of squeezing the glute.
- -Rotating the pelvis open as the leg travels back.
- -Using so much weight that the torso lurches on each rep.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 reps per leg with a deliberate top squeeze.
- -Program it late in a lower session as glute isolation after compound hinges.
- -Start each set with the weaker leg and match reps with the stronger side.
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