Barbell Hip Thrust

Barbell across hips, knees bent, feet flat. Brace and drive through heels to lift hips until torso and thighs align; squeeze glutes, keep ribs down, control descent. Builds strong glutes and hamstrings.

Muscles worked

Primary

Equipment

Barbell Hip Thrust exercise demonstration

How to do it

  1. Sit with your upper back against a bench and roll the bar across the hips with a pad in place.
  2. Set the feet about hip-width with the heels positioned so the shins are vertical at lockout.
  3. Brace the core and pull the ribs gently toward the pelvis.
  4. Drive through the heels until the hips reach full extension and the body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  5. Pause for one count with the glutes squeezed.
  6. Lower under control without losing the brace.

Watch for

  • Overarching the low back at the top.
  • Feet too far away so the hamstrings cramp.
  • Knees collapsing inward.

Breathing

Exhale as you lift, inhale as you lower.

Tip

Adjust foot position until you feel glutes working without the low back taking over.

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