Pull Through (Cable)
A compound posterior chain exercise that develops glute and hamstring strength by pulling cable resistance between the legs.
Instructions
- Set the cable pulley to the lowest position and attach a rope or handle.
- Stand facing away from the machine with the rope between your legs at chest height.
- Step forward, positioning yourself so the cable passes through the space between your legs.
- Hold the rope at your chest with both hands, maintaining an upright posture.
- Lean forward at the hips while keeping your back straight, allowing the cable to extend as you bend.
- Drive your hips forward and extend your legs, returning to the starting position.
- Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings at the top and repeat.
Tips
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout; avoid excessive rounding of the back.
- Focus on hip hinge movement; bend at the hips rather than the knees primarily.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back throughout the movement.
- Control the eccentric portion to maximize muscle engagement.
- The cable provides constant tension throughout the entire range of motion.
- Excellent for developing posterior chain strength and improving hip mobility.
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.
Alternating Swing (Kettlebell)
Learn more about alternating swing (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Dead Stop Swing (Kettlebell)
Learn more about dead stop swing (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Deadlift Single-Leg (Bodyweight)
Learn more about deadlift single-leg (bodyweight) beginner strength
Deadlift Single-Leg (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about deadlift single-leg (medicine ball) intermediate strength
Hip Hinge (Bench)
Learn more about hip hinge (bench) beginner strength
Hip Raise, Lying
Learn more about hip raise, lying intermediate strength
beginner strength
Stability Ball Glute Bridge
Learn more about stability ball glute bridge beginner strength
Stability Ball Hip Raise
Learn more about stability ball hip raise intermediate strength
Swing (Bulgarian Bag)
Learn more about swing (bulgarian bag) intermediate strength
Swing (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about swing (medicine ball) beginner strength
Swing Clean (Kettlebell)
Learn more about swing clean (kettlebell) beginner strength