Video of exercise being performed

How to do a Glute Kickback Machine

Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology

Sets Logged
1,727,762
Popularity Rank
63rd
Difficulty
Beginner
Glutes Strength
99 mSCORE 2nd
Equipment Required
  • Photo of Glute Kickback Machine
    Glute Kickback Machine

Workouts with Glute Kickback Machine

    Target muscles worked

    Primary Muscles
    Secondary Muscles

    Instructions for Proper Form

    Glute Kickback Machine is a variation on the more standard Single Leg Kickback. Unlike the standard variation, this exercise uses a machine to add resistance to the movement rather than just bodyweight. This gives you a bit more control over your resistance, and can be more easily scaled to your current capabilities. Additionally, the use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds stability to the movement. This lets you focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement.

    1. Position yourself with your chest against the padding, and both hands on the handles.
    2. Balance on one leg using the handles for support, and place your opposite foot on the pedal.
    3. Engage your glutes to extend your leg out behind you.
    4. Hold this position for a moment at the end of the movement.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension in your glutes.
    6. Switch sides, and repeat.

    Tips & FAQs

    • Glute Kickback Machine is also known as:

      • Kick Back Machine
      • Leg Kick Back Machine
      • Single Leg Kick Back Machine
      • Glute Kick Back Machine
    • Leaning Into the Weight

      While it's perfectly fine to lean forward slightly on this exercise, try to avoid using your bodyweight to push down on the cables to perform the exercise. Keep your core engaged and limit the movement to your triceps.

    Common Form Mistakes

    • Overusing Machines

      Machines are great pieces of equipment, however they do hinder your ability to develop smaller stabilizing muscles. Try to work in other variations that require you to stabilize the movement as well.

    Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator

    Average Glute Kickback Machine standards by male, female, weight, age and height

    Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.

    • beginner
      8
      reps
      40
      lbs
      1 Rep Max
      50
      lbs
    • intermediate
      8
      reps
      50
      lbs
      65
      lbs
    • advanced
      8
      reps
      55
      lbs
      70
      lbs

    Enter your stats to calculate your Reps & Weight