Single Leg Hip Extension (Cable)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A unilateral glute isolation exercise using a cable machine with an ankle attachment where you extend the hip backward against cable resistance.

Instructions

  1. Attach an ankle strap to a low pulley cable and select the appropriate weight.
  2. Stand facing the cable machine about 1-2 feet away with feet hip-width apart.
  3. Attach the strap to one ankle and hold onto the machine for balance with both hands.
  4. Keep your standing leg slightly bent and maintain an upright torso.
  5. Extend your working leg backward by contracting your glute, keeping your leg relatively straight.
  6. Squeeze your glute at the peak of the movement.
  7. Slowly return your leg to the starting position without touching the ground between reps.
  8. Complete all reps on one leg before switching.

Tips

  • Maintain an upright posture and avoid leaning forward or rotating your torso
  • Feel the contraction in your glute rather than your hamstring
  • Use a lighter weight to control the movement and prevent momentum
  • Full range of motion is important for glute activation and development
  • This unilateral exercise allows for addressing strength imbalances between legs

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 9 reps 17.5 kg 15 kg
Build muscle 3 13 reps 15 kg 12.5 kg
Build endurance 3 16 reps 12.5 kg 10 kg

Alternatives

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

beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Stability Ball Single Leg Glute Bridge

Learn more about stability ball single leg glute bridge
intermediate strength

Standing Hip Extension (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about standing hip extension (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
intermediate strength