TETSUCable Deadlift vs Flutter Kicks
The Cable Deadlift and the Flutter Kicks both train the glutes as their primary muscle. The Cable Deadlift uses a cable while the Flutter Kicks are bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cable Deadlift | Flutter Kicks | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | glutes | glutes |
| Body part | upper legs | upper legs |
| Supporting muscles | hamstrings, quadriceps and lower back | hip flexors and lower abs |
| Equipment | cable | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 4 |
How each one starts
Cable Deadlift — first steps
- 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.
Flutter Kicks — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your hands by your sides.
- Engage your core and lift your legs off the ground about 6 inches.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Cable Deadlift keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. The Flutter Kicks need no equipment and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the glutes adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Cable Deadlift better than the Flutter Kicks?
Neither is universally better — both train the glutes as the primary mover. The Cable Deadlift keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion, while the Flutter Kicks need no equipment and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Cable Deadlift and the Flutter Kicks in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the glutes. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Cable Deadlift and the Flutter Kicks work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the glutes. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hamstrings, quadriceps and lower back for the Cable Deadlift versus hip flexors and lower abs for the Flutter Kicks.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.