Barbell Hip Thrust

The heaviest glute exercise there is — the bridge's gym-grown sibling.

GlutesBarbell + BenchIntermediate
TARGET MUSCLES

Setup

  1. Upper back on a bench, bar (padded) across your hips.
  2. Feet flat, shins near vertical at the top.

How To Do It

  1. Drive through heels; squeeze glutes to full hip extension.
  2. Chin tucked, ribs down — no back arching.
  3. Pause hard at the top; lower with control.

Breathing

Exhale into the squeeze.

Common Mistakes

  • Overarching at the top — height comes from glutes, not spine.
  • Feet too far out — hamstrings take over.
Coach Sam's cue: Ribs down, chin down, glutes do everything.

Programming It

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–54–62–3+ min
Muscle3–48–1260–90 sec
Endurance / Conditioning2–315–2030–45 sec

Form guide for educational purposes — not medical advice. New to training or working around an issue? Apply for coaching and get a plan built for your body.