Exercise

Glute Kickback

Also known as: donkey kicks, quadruped hip extension, back kicks

Glute Kickback is a compound exercise for the glutes. Main target: gluteus maximus. Also works: biceps femoris. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight

TypeCompound (multi-joint)

MovementPush

CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

Primary

Gluteus maximus

Secondary

Biceps femoris

How to do it

Kneel on the floor or an exercise mat and bend at the waist with your arms extended in front of you (perpendicular to the torso) in order to get into a kneeling push-up position but with the arms spaced at shoulder width. Your head should be looking forward and the bend of the knees should create a 90-degree angle between the hamstrings and the calves. This will be your starting position.
As you exhale, lift up your right leg until the hamstrings are in line with the back while maintaining the 90-degree angle bend. Contract the glutes throughout this movement and hold the contraction at the top for a second. Tip: At the end of the movement the upper leg should be parallel to the floor while the calf should be perpendicular to it.
Go back to the initial position as you inhale and now repeat with the left leg.
Continue to alternate legs until all of the recommended repetitions have been performed.