Exercise guide
Cable Glute Kickback (bent knee)
The Bent-Knee Cable Glute Kickback extends the hip while the working knee remains bent. An ankle cuff connects the leg to a low pulley, and the heel travels backward and slightly upward. The glutes perform the primary movement while the hamstrings assist.
Training context
Using the Bent-Knee Cable Kickback
The exercise can be used as focused glute work after squats, deadlifts, or lunges. Bending the knee changes the leg position compared with a straight-leg kickback but does not remove the need to keep the pelvis stable.
Use a support for balance and a light enough weight to prevent the torso from swinging forward and backward.
Technique overview
Keep the knee angle consistent
Attach the cuff and bend the working knee to roughly 90 degrees. Hold a stable support and move the heel backward by extending the hip. Pause briefly, then return slowly without changing the knee angle or arching the lower back. Complete the set before switching sides.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.