Sled Kneeling Glute Kickback
The Sled Kneeling Glute Kickback primarily works the Gluteus Maximus, with secondary activation of the Adductor Magnus and stabilizer support from the Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, Quadratus Lumborum. It is a machine compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Sled Kneeling Glute Kickback is a beginner compound exercise performed with machine, following a extension movement pattern. It primarily targets the Gluteus Maximus, with secondary engagement of the Adductor Magnus. This is a bilateral pushing movement, meaning both sides work together to generate force.
A machine compound push exercise targeting the Gluteus Maximus.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Extension |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Gluteus Maximus |
| Secondary | Adductor Magnus |
Muscles Worked
The Gluteus Maximus is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Adductor Magnus assists as a secondary mover, contributing to force production without bearing the primary load. The Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, and 3 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Adductor Magnus (adductors)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Femoris (Long Head) (hamstrings)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Medius (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Minimus (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Quadratus Lumborum (core)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Kneel on machine by placing knees on lower pad and feet against bars to rear, if available.
- Place forearms on padded armrest, and grip handles.
- Position one foot up so middle of sole is positioned under foot bar.
Execution
- Push foot bar up by extending legback as far as possible.
- Return leg to original position and repeat.
- Continue with opposite leg.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Fully extend through the range of motion to achieve peak muscle contraction.
- Avoid hyperextending the joint at end range — stop just short of lockout.
- Control the return to take full advantage of the eccentric stimulus.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Gluteus Maximus) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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