Barbell Hip Thrust

A barbell glute exercise targeting the glutes and hamstrings. Builds hip extension strength and size for lifters, field athletes, and sprinters.

Also known as: hip thrust, hip thrusts, barbell glute bridge, glute bridge with barbell, barbell hip bridges

Intermediate Compound BarbellFlat bench

How to do the Barbell Hip Thrust

  1. Sit on the floor with your upper back against a flat bench and barbell over your hips.
  2. Bend your knees, plant your feet flat, and center the bar in your hip crease.
  3. Grip the bar lightly to keep it from shifting and tuck your chin slightly.
  4. Brace your trunk, then drive through your feet to raise your hips off the floor.
  5. Continue extending your hips until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor and shins are nearly vertical.
  6. Squeeze your glutes at the top without arching your lower back or flaring your ribs.
  7. Lower the bar by hinging at the hips until your glutes return close to the floor.
  8. Reset your foot pressure and bar position before starting the next repetition.

Common mistakes

  • Overarching the lower back at top
  • Feet placed too far forward
  • Feet placed too close in
  • Letting knees collapse inward
  • Stopping short of full hip extension

Form cues

  • Keep shins nearly vertical
  • Tuck chin slightly
  • Drive knees out
  • Finish with glutes
  • Bar stays in hip crease

Substitutes & similar