Barbell Hip Thrust

Barbell Hip Thrust targets glutes, hamstrings, and quads. This powerful exercise builds lower body strength, improves hip extension, and enhances athletic

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A strength exercise that targets the glutes, performed using a barbell. The individual sits on the ground with a bench behind them, rests the barbell on their hips, and thrusts up.

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How to Do Barbell Hip Thrust

  1. 1
    Setup

    Position a sturdy bench behind you. Sit on the floor with your upper back against the bench, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor hip-width apart.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Roll a padded barbell over your hips, resting it comfortably between your pelvic bones and pubic bone.

  3. 3

    Brace your core, engage your glutes, and drive through your heels to lift your hips off the floor, extending them fully until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Exhale as you thrust.

  4. 4

    Squeeze your glutes powerfully at the top of the movement, ensuring your shins are vertical and your knees are directly over your ankles.

  5. 5

    Slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position with control, maintaining tension in your glutes throughout the eccentric phase. Inhale as you lower.

Tips

  • Adjust your foot distance; if your feet are too far out, you'll feel it more in your hamstrings, too close, and it will be more quads. Find the sweet spot where you feel your glutes maximally.
  • Keep your chin tucked towards your chest throughout the movement to maintain a neutral spine and prevent hyperextension of your neck and lower back.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement; don't just let the weight drop, as this increases time under tension and builds more strength.
  • Focus on achieving full hip extension at the top by squeezing your glutes hard, imagining you're pushing your hips towards the ceiling.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Many people hyperextend their lumbar spine at the top instead of achieving full hip extension; fix this by engaging your core and squeezing your glutes to tilt your pelvis posteriorly.
  • ×Failing to lower the hips sufficiently or fully extend at the top limits glute activation; ensure your hips drop nearly to the floor and rise until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  • ×Pushing off your toes reduces glute engagement and shifts work to the quads; actively drive through your heels to maximize glute activation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Barbell Hip Thrust work?
Barbell Hip Thrust primarily targets Gluteus Maximus. Secondary muscles include Hamstrings, Quadriceps.
Is Barbell Hip Thrust good for beginners?
Barbell Hip Thrust is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Barbell Hip Thrust?
You need Barbell to perform Barbell Hip Thrust. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Barbell Hip Thrust?
Adjust your foot distance; if your feet are too far out, you'll feel it more in your hamstrings, too close, and it will be more quads. Find the sweet spot where you feel your glutes maximally. Keep your chin tucked towards your chest throughout the movement to maintain a neutral spine and prevent hyperextension of your neck and lower back. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement; don't just let the weight drop, as this increases time under tension and builds more strength. Focus on achieving full hip extension at the top by squeezing your glutes hard, imagining you're pushing your hips towards the ceiling.
What are common mistakes when doing Barbell Hip Thrust?
Many people hyperextend their lumbar spine at the top instead of achieving full hip extension; fix this by engaging your core and squeezing your glutes to tilt your pelvis posteriorly. Failing to lower the hips sufficiently or fully extend at the top limits glute activation; ensure your hips drop nearly to the floor and rise until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Pushing off your toes reduces glute engagement and shifts work to the quads; actively drive through your heels to maximize glute activation.

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Barbell Hip Thrust

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