Cable Donkey Kickback - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Donkey Kickback

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Donkey Kickback.

MediumGlutes

About this exercise

The Cable Donkey Kickback isolates the glutes through a hip extension movement performed on all fours. With an ankle strap attached to a low cable pulley, you drive one leg straight back and up, achieving a strong glute contraction at full extension with constant cable tension throughout.

How to Perform

  • Attach an ankle strap to a low cable pulley and secure it around one ankle
  • Position yourself on all fours facing the cable machine, wrists under shoulders and knees under hips
  • Keep your core tight and your spine neutral throughout the movement
  • With a slight bend in the working knee, drive your foot straight back and up toward the ceiling
  • Squeeze the glute hard at the top of the movement, fully extending the hip
  • Lower the leg slowly back to the starting position without letting the knee touch the floor
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching legs

Muscle Activation

Primary
Glutes
Secondary
HamstringsLower back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Donkey Kickback

The Cable Donkey 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.

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