Glutes · Isolation movement

Glute Kickback Machine

A isolation exercise that targets the glutes with secondary work in hamstrings. Performed with weight machine.

Primary muscle

Glutes

Secondary muscles

Hamstrings

Equipment

Machine

Difficulty

Beginner

How to perform the Glute Kickback Machine

  1. Set up in the glute kickback machine with the working foot on the lever pad and hips against the support.
  2. Grip the handles and brace the torso against the pad so only the hip moves.
  3. Drive the foot back and down by extending the hip against the guided lever.
  4. Because the machine isolates hip extension, squeeze the glute at the end range.
  5. Pause at full extension where the glute is fully contracted.
  6. Return the lever forward under control to a hip-flexed stretch, then repeat.

Suggested working range: 12–15 reps. Default progression: double progression.

Common mistakes

  • •Arching the lower back to push the lever further instead of extending the hip.
  • •Rounding or rotating the torso off the pad to cheat the leg back.
  • •Letting the weight stack slam the lever forward rather than resisting it.
  • •Using a partial range that skips the fully contracted end position.

Variations & alternatives

Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.

Barbell Hip Thrust

Glutes · Barbell

Cable Kickback

Glutes · Cable

Single-Leg Hip Thrust

Glutes · Machine

Machine Hip Thrust

Glutes · Machine

Banded Hip Thrust

Glutes · Barbell

Use this exercise in a program

The Glute Kickback Machine fits naturally into hypertrophy and strength splits that prioritize glutes volume.

Browse training programs →

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