Back to Library
Exercise Guide
How to do cable pull through
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable pull-through is a posterior chain exercise that emphasizes the hip hinge and targets the glutes and hamstrings. By using a cable machine, you maintain constant tension on the muscles throughout the entire movement. This exercise is an excellent low-impact alternative to traditional deadlifts and is highly effective for teaching proper hip mechanics and building glute power.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Glutes, Hamstrings
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Position the pulley on a low setting, about ankle height or lower.
- Attachment: Attach a rope handle to the low pulley.
- Stance: Face away from the machine with your feet about shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- Grip & Starting Position: Stand a few feet from the machine and pass the rope handle between your legs. Grab each end of the rope with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and stand tall, pulling the rope taut. Hinge slightly at the hips, keeping your back flat, chest up, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Hinge: Push your hips back and hinge forward from the hips, keeping your back straight and knees slightly bent. Allow the cable to pull the rope through your legs.
- Full Extension: Drive your hips forward and squeeze your glutes to return to a standing position. Avoid hyperextending your lower back.
- Controlled Lowering: Slowly return to the starting position by hinging at your hips and pushing them back. Keep your back flat and maintain tension on the glutes.
Tips:
- Hip Hinge: Focus on the hip hinge motion, keeping your back flat and chest up.
- Glute Squeeze: Contract your glutes at the top of the movement for maximum activation.
- Weight Distribution: Keep your weight evenly distributed on your feet throughout the exercise.
Variations:
- Single-Leg Cable Pull Through: Increase the challenge by performing the exercise on one leg at a time.
Common mistakes: Rounding the back, pulling with the arms instead of the hips, and standing too close to the cable machine.
Alternatives
Hip Thrust Machine
machine hipthrust
Glutes
Bench
barbell hip thrust
Glutes
Bench
bench glute bridge
Glutes
Barbell
barbell clean deadlift
GlutesHamstrings+1
Resistance Band
resistance band lateral walk
Glutes
Resistance Band
resistance band clam shell
Glutes
Bench
single leg hip thrust
Glutes
Barbell
barbell rack pull
GlutesHamstrings
Cable
cable pull through
GlutesHamstrings
Kettlebell
kettlebell swing
GlutesHamstrings+2
Cable
cable hip adduction
Glutes
Seated Hip Adduction Machine
seated hip adduction
Glutes
Seated Hip Abduction Machine
seated hip abduction
Glutes
Back Extension Machine
machine back extension
Glutes
Bench
glute bridge on bench
Glutes
Bench
dumbbell bulgarian split squat
GlutesQuads
Back Extension
back extension(hyperextension)
GlutesHamstrings
Jump Box
box jump
GlutesQuads+2