On a mission to sculpt your glutes? It doesn’t always have to be about squats and thrusts — cable kickbacks deserve a permanent spot in your routine.
Get the movement right, hit it from different angles, and it becomes one of the most effective ways to shape and define your lower body. You're not just moving your leg — you're squeezing through each rep to fire up the glute max, med and minimus. The full trio gets involved when the form is solid.
Kickbacks let you isolate and stay in control in a way that’s hard to match with big lifts. You can go straight back, cross behind, or lift to the side to work all angles. You’ll hit different fibres, build rounded shape, and tighten everything from the top of the glutes to the outer hips. When done consistently, kickbacks can sculpt, lift and refine your shape. And in my experience as a qualified personal trainer and pro-level bodybuilder, here’s why the right ankle strap makes all the difference.
Why do you need an ankle strap?
Having your own strap is about more than just hygiene. It’s about efficiency. When you’re in the gym with a clear training plan, the last thing you want is to waste time searching for equipment that may or may not be usable. Knowing your strap is in your bag means one less variable — and more time spent working out.
The other reason it matters? Positioning. A well-fitting strap allows you to get into the correct alignment and move through the full range of motion without the attachment shifting or digging in.
What to look for in an ankle strap
Comfort is key. The strap should feel secure around the ankle without cutting in. Some have soft lining or added padding, which is helpful especially if you’re training in shorts or using heavier loads. A clean, simple design that fits neatly in your gym bag is ideal — there’s no need for anything bulky or overdesigned.
The fastening should be secure and easy to adjust. Velcro is standard, but it should grip firmly and hold up after rigorous use. When it comes to how it clips into the machine, a strong, well-placed metal loop (or two, depending on the exercise) gives you better balance and flow through each rep.
The best exercises for ankle straps
Once I had the right ankle strap, cable training felt completely different. I could move better, hold form, and isolate exactly what I wanted to work.
Glute kickbacks are the obvious starting point, but I always vary angles - straight back, slightly across the body, and out to the side. I also add standing hamstring curls using a low cable, and occasionally core-focused movements where the strap helps anchor my feet.
These kinds of movements are quiet finishers, effective when done with control and intention. For shaping, tightening, and creating definition — especially when combined with heavier lifts — they are a non-negotiable part of my glute training.
Bear Grips Ankle Straps
The inside of these cuffs is lined with a soft, furry fabric that sounds like a small thing, but makes a difference to rubbing. They fasten properly and stay put, which shouldn’t be rare, but it is. I don’t have to keep adjusting between sets, which means I complete them faster.
They also fit exceptionally well. I’ve had straps that are either too tight or feel like they are slipping around, but these adjust well and remain comfortable. Whether I’m doing leg day or throwing in some cable work for core or upper body, they work well at all angles.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Myprotein Ankle Straps
The shock-absorbent padding ensures that your ankles are cushioned during those intense cable exercises, making them perfect for both leg and glute work. Whether you're doing weighted kickbacks or other cable movements, these cuffs help reduce the impact on your joints, giving you a more controlled and comfortable session.
The adjustable Velcro strap means you can customise the fit to your liking, ensuring they stay securely in place without feeling too tight. With a mix of polyester and spandex, these cuffs strike the right balance between flexibility and durability.
Buy now £14.00, Myprotein
Gorilla Wear Ankle Straps
My bigger bodybuilding pals rate Gorilla Wear – not just for the gym clothes that fit their size and shape, but for the quality that holds up when lifting serious weight.
I’ve always really liked their accessories for the same reasons and these ankle straps are no exception. They’re solid, sweat-resistant, and feel like they’re built to last - but they don’t sacrifice style either.
Buy now £34.99, Gorilla Wear
Lavvon Ankle Straps for Cable Machines Kickbacks
These Lavvon straps are built for stability, so the strap stays securely in place during glute kickbacks and other cable leg exercises, so that there is no slipping or strain from awkward angles. The breathable neoprene cuff is padded for comfort and won’t rub or dig in. Reinforced D-rings and double stitching add durability, making these ideal for regular gym use.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
RDX A4 Ankle Straps For Gym Cable Machine
Whether you’re doing kickbacks, leg curls, or hip abductions, these ankle straps stay secure thanks to the strong hook-and-loop fastening and rust-free double D-rings.
Made with reinforced stitching and thick neoprene padding, they’re built to last and won’t dig in during heavy sessions. The adjustable fit means they work well across different leg sizes, and the padded interior keeps things comfortable, even during longer workouts.
They are available as a single strap or a pair, in multiple colour options for all tastes.
Buy now £11.99, RDX
SYL Fitness Glute Workout Kickback Strap
If you’re after something that feels a bit different to your standard ankle strap, the SYL Fitness Kickback Strap offer something of an upgrade.
Instead of wrapping around your ankle, it loops over your shoe - so the pressure stays off joints and the movement feels more natural. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a difference when you’re doing glute kickbacks.
Buy now £23.69, Amazon
IPR Fitness Glute Kickback LITE
This is a high-spec ankle strap built specifically for glute training. Designed with a foot cradle rather than just an ankle loop, it offers better stability and glute engagement during kickbacks, abductions and hamstring work.
Made using military-grade materials, it’s built to last through heavy resistance training and can handle up to 250lbs. The slim, padded design makes it comfortable to wear, won’t slip mid-set, and won’t start to smell over time thanks to the closed-cell foam structure.
Buy now £76.57, Amazon
Primal Performance Series Ankle and Wrist Cuffs
The Primal Performance Series ankle/wrist cuffs are the kind of kit you grab once and wind up using for everything.
They’re built like commercial gym gear – seriously durable with reinforced stitching – but designed in a way that makes them comfortable and easy to wear, whether you’re brand new to cables or deep into your strength programme.
Buy now £16.99, Best Gym Equipment
