Skip to content

Barbell hip thrust

Add to my week

Build a free week around it — no account needed until you save.

Muscles worked

High load
Glutes · Maximus
Low load
Core, Hamstrings · Hip extension, and Quads

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Sit with the shoulder blades on a bench, roll a padded bar over the hips, and plant the feet so the shins are vertical at the top. Tuck the ribs and chin, then drive through the heels until the hips are level with the torso, pausing and squeezing the glutes at lockout before lowering under control. Finish the rep with the glutes, not by arching the lower back.

Form cues

  • Tuck the ribs, chin down
  • Pause and squeeze at lockout

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

Lower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.

Easier variants