‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding’ believes the glute kickback is a staple exercise for muscle development. On April 12, 2026, he broke down how to perform the glute kickback with control while keeping constant tension throughout repetitions.
Charles Glass‘s gymnastic and engineering roots gave him the perfect training foundation. Through the years, he’s carefully tailored fitness programs, whether it’s for your average gym-goer or established talents in the IFBB Pro League.
He has helped shape a handful of Open stars, including Dennis James, Dexter Jackson, Kai Greene, and the late Shawn Rhoden. Glass continues to offer advice to active competitors. He recently teamed up with Lauralie Chapados for a tough back workout before the 2025 Olympia. Now, he’s breaking down how to master one of the most popular glute exercises performed today.
Charles Glass Breaks Down How to Hit Glute Kickbacks Without Letting Momentum Take Over
In the video, Glass shared that leaving the working leg bent during standing glute kickbacks helps keep constant tension on the glutes. He emphasized the importance of control and never letting momentum take over, as this can shortchange overall progress.
“When you kick back in the back, leave the leg bent,” explained Charles Glass. “I’m here, and then I go all the way back, and squeeze the back.”
“Standing glute kickbacks done with control—focus on squeezing at the top, keeping tension on the glutes, and not letting momentum take over.”
Watch the Instagram reel below:
This wasn’t Glass’s first time showing how to accelerate muscle growth. He recently unpacked why the belt squat is key for progressing the lower body. For the best possible results, he said to drive the hips forward and keep the toes slightly pointed out.
“Take the ego out. Belt squat forces contraction, not momentum. Master the movement, the size follows.”
Glass doesn’t just bias the lower body; he has proven strategies for building any muscle group. Throughout his latest heavy shoulder workout, he offered advice for achieving size, muscle roundness, and strength. In addition, he showed how to maximize bent-over row gains. He believes sticking with lighter weight and focusing on a full range of motion is a winning recipe.
Charles Glass has unique insights into training, thanks to years of experience on the ground. Whether you’re after bigger shoulders, a thicker back, or a more balanced lower body, he stresses that control is key to lasting progress.
