Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust

Strengthen your glutes and hamstrings with the Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust. Master this unilateral exercise for improved balance and powerful hip

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set30s rest

Description

Exercise that targets the glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles by using one leg to thrust a dumbbell upward from a laying down position.

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How to Do Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit on the floor with your upper back against a bench, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Place a dumbbell across your working hip crease, securing it with both hands.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Lift one leg off the floor, extending it straight or bending the knee slightly, ensuring only the heel of your working leg is planted firmly on the floor. Your upper back should be stable on the bench.

  3. 3

    Brace your core and drive through the heel of your working foot, lifting your hips towards the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knee. Squeeze your glute forcefully at the top.

  4. 4

    Slowly and with control, lower your hips back down towards the floor, stopping just before your glutes touch, maintaining tension in your glute.

Tips

  • Focus on driving through your heel to maximize glute activation and minimize hamstring dominance in the movement.
  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement by keeping your chin tucked slightly and ribs down to prevent hyperextension of your lower back.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to descend, to enhance muscle growth and improve mind-muscle connection.
  • Keep your non-working leg elevated and still, avoiding any push-off or assistance from it during the thrust.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Arching the lower back excessively at the top of the movement; fix this by engaging your core and tucking your pelvis slightly to achieve a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  • ×Allowing the knee to cave inward during the thrust; fix this by actively pushing your working knee slightly outward, aligning it over your foot.
  • ×Rushing the movement and using momentum instead of muscle control; fix this by performing each repetition slowly and deliberately, focusing on the glute contraction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust work?
Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust primarily targets Gluteus Maximus. Secondary muscles include Hamstrings, Quadriceps.
Is Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust good for beginners?
Dumbbell Single Leg 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 Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Single Leg 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 Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust?
Focus on driving through your heel to maximize glute activation and minimize hamstring dominance in the movement. Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement by keeping your chin tucked slightly and ribs down to prevent hyperextension of your lower back. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to descend, to enhance muscle growth and improve mind-muscle connection. Keep your non-working leg elevated and still, avoiding any push-off or assistance from it during the thrust.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust?
Arching the lower back excessively at the top of the movement; fix this by engaging your core and tucking your pelvis slightly to achieve a straight line from shoulders to knees. Allowing the knee to cave inward during the thrust; fix this by actively pushing your working knee slightly outward, aligning it over your foot. Rushing the movement and using momentum instead of muscle control; fix this by performing each repetition slowly and deliberately, focusing on the glute contraction.

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Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust

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