Thumbnail for the video of exercise: kickback

kickback

Exercise Profile

Body PartTriceps, Upper Arms
EquipmentCable
Primary MusclesTriceps Brachii
Secondary Muscles
AppStore IconGoogle Play Icon

Get the exercise library in your pocket!

Introduction to the kickback

Kickbacks are a highly effective exercise for targeting and strengthening the triceps and upper body. They are suitable for people at all fitness levels, including beginners, as they can be performed with various weights to match individual strength. Individuals might choose to incorporate kickbacks into their routine to improve arm strength, enhance muscle tone, and boost overall upper body fitness.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial kickback

  • Bend forward at your waist so your chest is leaning forward over your feet, keep your back straight and your head up.
  • Hold the dumbbells at your sides, bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle so your upper arms are parallel to your body.
  • Slowly push the dumbbells back by extending your elbows and allow them to slowly return after a short pause.
  • Keep your upper arms still throughout this exercise, moving only your forearms, and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips for Performing kickback

  • Controlled Movement: Avoid the common mistake of using momentum to swing your leg back and forth. The movement should be slow and controlled, focusing on the contraction and extension of the glute muscles. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of the exercise but also minimizes the risk of injury.
  • Correct Positioning: Ensure your foot is flexed (toes pointing down to the ground) during the movement. This helps to engage the glutes more effectively. A common mistake is to point the toes, which can lead to less engagement of the glute muscles.
  • Do Not Overextend: Avoid the mistake of lifting your leg too high or overextending your hip

kickback FAQs

Can beginners do the kickback?

Yes, beginners can absolutely do the kickback exercise. It's a great exercise to target the glutes and hamstrings. However, it's important to start with a light weight or even no weight at all to ensure proper form and avoid injury. As you get stronger and more comfortable with the movement, you can gradually increase the weight. It's also beneficial to have a trainer or experienced gym-goer check your form to make sure you're doing the exercise correctly.

What are common variations of the kickback?

  • The Cable Kickback uses a cable machine, providing constant tension throughout the movement and increasing the challenge.
  • The Bent-Over Kickback requires you to maintain a bent-over position, which engages your core and lower back in addition to your triceps.
  • The Resistance Band Kickback can be done anywhere with a resistance band, making it a great option for home workouts.
  • The Incline Bench Kickback involves performing the exercise on an incline bench, which can help to isolate the triceps and reduce strain on the lower back.

What are good complementing exercises for the kickback?

  • Lunges, like kickbacks, are also great for the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and quads, enhancing lower body strength and stability.
  • Deadlifts can complement kickbacks because they target the same muscle groups, including the glutes and hamstrings, but also engage the lower back and core, making it a more full-body workout.

Related keywords for kickback

  • Cable kickback workout
  • Triceps exercise with cable
  • Upper arm strengthening exercises
  • Cable machine workouts
  • Gym equipment for triceps
  • Kickback exercise for upper arms
  • Triceps kickback with cable
  • Fitness cable kickback
  • Arm toning exercises
  • Cable workout for arm muscles