Upper Legs Exercise · Cable
Cable Deadlift
- Category
- Upper Legs
- Equipment
- Cable
- Target
- Glutes
Biomechanical cues verified by the PlanWorkouts Science Review Board under CSCS editorial oversight; see our editorial standards.
The Cable Deadlift is a compound upper legs movement designed to train the Glutes with direct engagement of the Quadriceps, Lower Back.
Posterior-chain dominant movement in the sagittal plane. High torque at the hip joint requiring forceful extension by glutes and hamstrings with static lumbar spine stabilization. Executing this with strict form maximizes muscle fiber recruitment while protecting joint structures.
Quick Exercise Facts
Target Muscle Activation
Pulling a deadlift from a low cable pulley removes the barbell's fixed bar path, letting the hips and knees move more naturally through the pull. Because cable resistance doesn't spike the way a barbell's inertia does off the floor, it's a gentler way to groove hip hinge mechanics before loading a real barbell deadlift. The glutes and hamstrings still do the work — the cable just changes how forgiving the setup is.
How to Do the Cable Deadlift
- Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend at the hips and knees, lowering your torso until your back is parallel to the ground.
- Grip the cable handles with an overhand grip, keeping your arms straight and shoulders pulled back.
- Drive through your glutes and hamstrings to lift the handles, extending your hips and standing up straight.
- Pause briefly at the top, then slowly lower the cable handles back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for your target rep goal, keeping your core engaged and avoiding any reliance on momentum.
Recommended Sets & Reps by Training Goal
70–80% 1RM · 90–120s rest
85%+ 1RM · 2–3 min rest (Calc 1RM)
50–60% 1RM · 45–60s rest
Biomechanical & Joint Load Cues
Posterior-chain dominant movement in the sagittal plane. High torque at the hip joint requiring forceful extension by glutes and hamstrings with static lumbar spine stabilization.
Common Mechanical Mistakes & Form Errors to Avoid
- Lumbar Flexion (Rounding Lower Back): Rounding the lower back under heavy load shifts compressive forces into dangerous anterior shear on the intervertebral discs.
- Bar Drifting Forward: Allowing the weight to drift away from the shins creates a longer external moment arm, drastically increasing torque on the spinal erectors.
- Hyperextending at Lockout: Leaning back excessively at the top of the movement pinches lumbar facet joints rather than engaging the gluteal muscles.
Proper Breathing Patterns & Core Engagement
Inhale into diaphragm and brace core prior to pulling/hinging. Maintain rigid spinal alignment; exhale once hips lock out at standing height.
Add the Cable Deadlift to Your Custom Workout Routine
Build a personalized, science-backed workout plan matching your training goals, equipment access, and schedule.
Injury Modification & Joint Safety
If managing acute lumbar disc irritation or facet joint pain, prioritize neutral-spine trap bar deadlifts or single-leg Romanian deadlifts to minimize axial shear. If joint irritation persists, immediately stop and substitute this movement with another exercise from the Upper Legs exercises category.
Muscles Worked
The Cable Deadlift primarily targets the Glutes, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Quadriceps, Lower Back.
More Upper Legs Exercises
All Fours Squad Stretch
Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male)
Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch
Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch
Assisted Prone Hamstring
Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch
More Glutes Exercises
Band Bent-Over Hip Extension
Band Hip Lift
Band Lying Hip Internal Rotation
Band Pull Through
Band Seated Hip Internal Rotation
Band Squat
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have cable? These target the same glutes with different equipment.
Basic Toe Touch (male)
Band Bent-Over Hip Extension
Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat
Dumbbell Bench Squat
FAQ
- What muscles does the Cable Deadlift work?
- The Cable Deadlift primarily targets the glutes as the primary agonist. Synergist assistance is provided by the hamstrings along with the quadriceps, lower back. Maintaining strict biomechanical alignment ensures maximal tension remains focused on the intended muscle fibers rather than shifting to surrounding stabilizer joints.
- What equipment do I need for the Cable Deadlift?
- The Cable Deadlift is performed using a cable. Ensure all equipment is securely positioned with collars or safety pins locked before loading working sets. If you train in a home gym or minimal setup, explore our equipment-free and resistance band alternatives below.
- What is the most common form mistake on the Cable Deadlift?
- The most frequent error is lumbar flexion (rounding lower back): Rounding the lower back under heavy load shifts compressive forces into dangerous anterior shear on the intervertebral discs.. Controlling the 2 to 3-second eccentric lowering phase ensures maximal hypertrophic stimulus while shielding connective tissue.
- How many sets and reps should I perform on the Cable Deadlift?
- For muscle hypertrophy and size, aim for 3 to 4 working sets of 8 to 12 repetitions at 70% to 80% of your 1RM with 90 to 120 seconds rest. For absolute strength development, prioritize 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes rest.
- What's a good alternative to the Cable Deadlift?
- If you don't have access to a cable, the Basic Toe Touch (male) targets the same glutes using body weight instead. This alternative replicates the same joint angle and movement plane while allowing you to train effectively with different available gear. You can also substitute it seamlessly in our free Workout Plan Builder.