Donkey Kick alternatives
Donkey Kick is an isolation glutes exercise. Its primary joint action is hip extension. It also works your hamstrings.
- Target muscle
- Glutes
- Joint action
- hip extension
- Type
- Isolation
- Equipment
- Bodyweight and home
12 alternatives, ranked
All share the joint action hip extension. Ranked the way the GainsLog app swaps exercises: same joint action first, then the same compound or isolation type.
| # | Exercise | Equipment | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cable KickbackCable · Isolation | Cable | Isolation |
| 2 | Machine KickbackMachine · Isolation | Machine | Isolation |
| 3 | Glute KickbackBodyweight and home · Isolation | Bodyweight and home | Isolation |
| 4 | Barbell Hip ThrustBarbell · Compound (different type) | Barbell | Compound(different type) |
| 5 | Cable Pull ThroughCable · Compound (different type) | Cable | Compound(different type) |
| 6 | Cable Step UpCable · Compound (different type) | Cable | Compound(different type) |
| 7 | Dumbbell Single Leg Hip ThrustDumbbells · Compound (different type) | Dumbbells | Compound(different type) |
| 8 | Elevated Kettlebell Sumo SquatKettlebell · Compound (different type) | Kettlebell | Compound(different type) |
| 9 | Elevated Smith LungeSmith machine · Compound (different type) | Smith machine | Compound(different type) |
| 10 | Glute BridgeBarbell · Compound (different type) | Barbell | Compound(different type) |
| 11 | Glute-Focused Assisted Dumbbell Bulgarian Split SquatDumbbells · Compound (different type) | Dumbbells | Compound(different type) |
| 12 | Glute-Focused Barbell Walking LungeBarbell · Compound (different type) | Barbell | Compound(different type) |
Swapping Donkey Kick mid-workout?
In the app, tap Swap on any exercise: GainsLog suggests alternatives ranked the same way (same joint action, then same type) and keeps a separate progression for each one.
How GainsLog picks a substitute
1
Same joint action
A substitute has to work your glutes through the same primary joint action as Donkey Kick: hip extension. An exercise with a different joint action trains the muscle differently, so the app treats it as variety, not a swap.
2
Same compound or isolation type
Donkey Kick is an isolation move, so other isolation moves rank above compound lifts.
3
Spread across equipment
Equipment doesn't change the ranking. The list only caps how many picks come from each type of equipment, so there is an option whether you train with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines or your bodyweight.
Swap exercises mid-workout in GainsLog
Tap swap on any exercise and the app suggests alternatives with the same joint action, then keeps a separate progression for each one so your targets stay honest.
FAQ
- What is the best alternative to Donkey Kick?
- Cable Kickback (Cable) ranks first. It works your glutes through the same joint action, hip extension, and is an isolation move.
- What can I do instead of Donkey Kick at home?
- Try Glute Kickback, Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust, or Elevated Kettlebell Sumo Squat. They need only your bodyweight or a few free weights and use the same joint action.
- Will swapping Donkey Kick for an alternative slow my progress?
- Not if the swap uses the same joint action and you keep pushing your sets close to failure. Log the new exercise separately and build its progression from your first session.