Bear Plank Kickback - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Bear Plank Kickback

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Bear Plank Kickback.

MediumGlutesHamstrings

About this exercise

The Bear Plank Kickback combines the core stability demands of the bear plank position with a glute kickback, targeting the glutes and hamstrings while the core works to prevent the hips from rotating. It is an effective bodyweight exercise for building posterior chain strength and hip stability.

How to Perform

  • Start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees directly under your hips
  • Lift your knees a few centimeters off the floor to enter the bear plank position, keeping your back flat
  • Brace your core and keep your hips level throughout the movement
  • Extend one leg straight back and up, squeezing the glute at the top
  • Pause briefly at full extension, then return the knee back toward the floor without touching it
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching to the other leg

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesHamstrings
Secondary
Core

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Bear Plank Kickback

The Bear Plank Kickback is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.