Best Legs Workouts With Cable Machines To Get Lean And Burn Fat
About
Cables are an incredibly versatile tool for resistance training, as they enable the manipulation of resistance angles and allow the use of unique handles, catering to targeted muscle activation.
Lower body workouts aimed at getting lean and burning fat focus on maintaining an elevated heart rate by incorporating movements that keep you active while using resistance training to preserve muscle mass.
With this approach, exercises typically involve lower weights and higher repetitions to enhance calorie expenditure effectively.
The six main muscle groups in the legs—glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, adductors, and abductors—are often targeted together through compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges to ensure comprehensive engagement.
Workout 1
Glutes, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Abductors, Adductors

Cable Hip Extension
18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs48reps30lbs
Cable Knee Drive
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs
Cable Row with Squat
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Cable Pull Through
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs
Cable Hip Abduction
112reps20lbs212reps20lbs312reps20lbs
Cable Hip Adduction
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs312reps12.5lbs
The 6 Best Legs Exercises with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Cable Hip Extension
Cable Hip Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,064,458Glutes Strength95 mScoreGlutes
Hi-Lo Pulley CableCable Hip Extension is an exercise where you attach your leg to a cable machine and extend it behind you while standing. This helps strengthen your glutes and improve balance, as the cable provides controlled resistance.
How to do it
- Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach the ankle cuff to your right ankle.
- Stand facing the pulley with your feet hip-width apart, holding the frame for support.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- With a slight bend in your knee, extend your right leg behind you by squeezing your glute.
- Return to the starting position and switch to your left leg.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. Cable Pull Through
Cable Pull Through demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED961,630Glutes Strength91 mScoreGlutes
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Pull Through is an effective exercise that strengthens your glutes and improves your hip hinge movement. It uses a cable for steady resistance, making it easier to build muscle and enhance glute power. This is a good choice for beginners wanting to develop their lower body strength.
How to do it
- Set the pulley to the lowest position with a rope attachment.
- Stand with your back to the pulley, hold the rope with palms facing in, and keep your arms resting on your hips.
- Step forward 1-2 feet from the pulley with feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core, keep your back straight, and hinge your hips back while keeping your knees slightly bent.
- Hinge until your back can no longer stay straight, then return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs3. Cable Row with Squat
Cable Row with Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED240,207Hamstrings Strength89 mScoreHamstrings
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Row with Squat is an exercise that combines a squat with a cable row. It works your legs and upper body, helping build strength in both areas while maintaining a squat position.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and adjust the cable to belly button height.
- Grab the handles with palms facing in, elbows bent and at your sides.
- Lower into a squat while pulling the handles towards the cable anchor.
- Stand up and row the handles back to your torso, keeping your back straight.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps50lbs28reps50lbs38reps50lbs4. Cable Knee Drive
Cable Knee Drive demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED14,254Quadriceps Strength59 mScoreQuadriceps
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Knee Drive is an exercise that strengthens your hip flexors and core while improving your lower body power and stability. Using a cable attached to your ankle, you drive your knee upward, simulating running and jumping motions, which helps with athletic performance.
How to do it
- Adjust the cable machine to the lowest setting.
- Attach the cable to one ankle.
- Step back to create tension in the cable.
- Face away from the machine and get into a light lunge position, securing your back foot.
- Keep your core tight, back straight, and look forward for good posture.
- Ensure the cable is aligned with your anchored ankle.
- Engage your core and align your pelvis with your spine.
- Drive your knee up and forward while keeping your toes pointed up.
- Press your opposite heel into the ground as you move your knee.
- Swing your same-side arm backward like in running.
- Slowly lower your foot to the ground, keeping tension in the cable.
- Finish the set, switch legs, and repeat.
5. Cable Hip Abduction
Cable Hip Abduction demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED210,050Abductors Strength53 mScoreAbductors
Hi-Lo Pulley CableCable Hip Abduction is an exercise that works your glutes and hip muscles. Using a cable machine helps keep the muscles engaged throughout the movement, improving strength and balance.
How to do it
- Set the cable to its lowest setting and attach the ankle strap to your inner ankle.
- Stand sideways to the cable with your feet together.
- Lift your leg sideways away from your body, keeping it straight. Use something sturdy for balance if needed.
- Slowly return your leg to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs6. Cable Hip Adduction
Cable Hip Adduction demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED145,994Adductors Strength83 mScoreAdductors
Hi-Lo Pulley CableCable Hip Adduction uses a cable machine to strengthen your hips and lower body. It allows for controlled resistance as you move your leg across your body, enhancing hip stability.
How to do it
- Set the cable machine to its lowest setting.
- Attach the ankle strap to your outer ankle.
- Stand sideways to the cable with feet together.
- Lift your leg across your body in front of your other leg while holding onto something for balance.
- Lower your leg back to start and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
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