Pull Through

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Pull ThroughPull Through

A hip extension exercise using cable resistance that targets the glutes and hamstrings by driving the hips forward from a bent-over position.

Instructions

  1. Begin standing a few feet in front of a low pulley with a rope or handle attached, facing away from the machine and straddling the cable.
  2. Set your feet wide apart and keep your arms straight throughout the movement.
  3. Reach through your legs as far as possible by bending at the hips while keeping your knees slightly bent.
  4. Drive through your heels and extend your hips to stand straight up in a controlled manner.
  5. Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement to maximize contraction.
  6. Return to the starting position by bending at the hips again.
  7. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • All motion should originate from the hips, not from pulling with the shoulders.
  • Keep your torso upright at the top and avoid hyperextending your lower back.
  • Maintain a slight knee bend throughout to protect your lower back joints.
  • Increase the cable weight gradually as your technique improves.
  • This exercise is excellent for building glute strength and power for athletic movements.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 22.5 kg 20 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 20 kg 17.5 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 15 kg 12.5 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

beginner strength