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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:

  1. Cable Machine: Position the pulley on a low setting, about ankle height or lower.
  2. Attachment: Attach a rope handle to the low pulley.
  3. Stance: Face away from the machine with your feet about shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Full Extension: Drive your hips forward and squeeze your glutes to return to a standing position. Avoid hyperextending your lower back.
  3. 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