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Pull Through

Glutes Hamstrings Lower Back Beginner Strength Cable
Pull Through Pull Through
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Begin standing a few feet in front of a low pulley with a rope or handle attached. Face away from the machine, straddling the cable, with your feet set wide apart.
  2. Begin the movement by reaching through your legs as far as possible, bending at the hips. Keep your knees slightly bent. Keeping your arms straight, extend through the hip to stand straight up. Avoid pulling upward through the shoulders; all of the motion should originate through the hips.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Pull Through work?

Pull Through primarily targets the Glutes. It also engages the Hamstrings, Lower Back as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building glutes development.

What equipment do I need for the Pull Through?

You will need a cable to perform the Pull Through. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Pull Through suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Pull Through is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the Pull Through a compound or isolation exercise?

The Pull Through is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Pull Through?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Pull Through?

Good alternatives include the Ankle On The Knee, Barbell Glute Bridge, Barbell Hip Thrust. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Glutes) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

How to use Pull Through — How to, Muscles, Form

Best for: Building practical strength and adding focused work for Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back. Use it when the movement fits your goal, equipment, and recovery.

Programming tip: Start with a load you can control for every rep. Add reps before adding weight, and keep the last rep clean enough that you could repeat the movement next week.

Common mistake: Chasing heavier weight before the setup, range of motion, and tempo are consistent. If the rep changes every set, the log stops telling the truth.

Track it: Log weight, reps, sets, and one short note about form or difficulty. Over time, those notes explain plateaus better than motivation quotes ever will.

Track this exercise

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

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