Videos
Instructions
- Sit on the floor with your upper back against a bench and a barbell over your hips.
- Roll the barbell into position and bend your knees, feet flat on the floor.
- Brace your core and drive through your heels to lift your hips upward.
- Extend your hips fully at the top, forming a straight line from shoulders to knees.
- Lower your hips in a controlled motion back to the starting position.
Technical Tips
- Keep your chin tucked to maintain spinal alignment.
- Drive through your heels, not your toes.
- Avoid overextending the lower back at the top of the movement.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale before initiating the thrust.
- Exhale as you lift your hips and contract your glutes.
- Inhale as you lower the bar back down.
Medical restrictions
- Lower back injuries
- Hip impingement
- Knee instability or acute injury
The Barbell Hip Thrust is a highly effective lower-body strength exercise designed to isolate and build the glute muscles. It involves lifting the hips while supporting a barbell across the pelvis, making it ideal for increasing glute activation and hypertrophy. This movement not only enhances muscle development but also improves posture, athletic performance, and hip stability. Unlike traditional squats or deadlifts, the hip thrust focuses the load more directly on the glutes with minimal spinal compression, making it suitable for individuals seeking safer yet powerful glute-focused training. This exercise is widely used across bodybuilding, functional training, and sports conditioning programs. When performed correctly, it can significantly contribute to overall lower-body strength and shape. It's particularly beneficial for those aiming to improve sprinting speed, jumping ability, and overall posterior chain strength.
What muscles do barbell hip thrusts target the most?
Barbell hip thrusts primarily target the gluteus maximus, with secondary activation of the hamstrings, gluteus medius, and quadriceps.
Is the hip thrust better than squats for glutes?
Yes, the hip thrust is often considered superior to squats for isolating and maximizing glute activation due to its biomechanics and load position.
How much weight should I use for barbell hip thrusts?
Start with a manageable load to master form, then progressively increase weight while maintaining full hip extension and control.
Can hip thrusts help with lower back pain?
Hip thrusts can strengthen the glutes and stabilize the pelvis, which may alleviate lower back discomfort if performed with proper technique.
How high should I raise my hips in a barbell hip thrust?
Raise your hips until your torso is parallel to the ground and your knees are at a 90-degree angle, ensuring full glute contraction without overextending your spine.