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Hip Thrusters / Glute Bridges

Hey Goal Diggers!

I definitely wanted to share another one of my favorite glute exercises which in my opinion targets the glutes (more specifically gluteus maximus) way more effectively than squats. They are called,  Hip Thrusters/ Glute Bridges and there are several variations. This exercise was invented by Bret Contreras in 2006.

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Disclaimer: You may look a little crazy in the gym but who cares, especially when you see what your glutes look like after weeks of incorporating this move. This is about you, your body and your goals… #gettowork (I know this is not FB, IG or twitter but I felt a hashtag was needed there)

Alright, so now I’ll get to ‘splaining.

The weight:

Safety is your number one concern. If you are just starting out/new to lifting, start with just your body weight. Ensure you can do the motion with proper form. If you do plan on using weight, start light and build up from there. Any barbell will work, in the video below I am using a traditional bar with plates (adds up to 115 lbs)– I find its easier to set up and take down. When I started I used the fixed weight barbells because I was doing much lighter weight and could easily carry them from the rack to the bench. Whichever you choose, you will also want to have 1 or 2 yoga mats or something to cushion the area where the bar rests. Personally, I use two mats folded in half, anything less is uncomfortable on my pelvic bones. If you will be using weight, you will also need a bench… a sturdy one. (A variation to this exercise is instead of using the bench you simply use the floor.. beginners may want to try this out first with just their body weight).

The technique:

Option A

1. Begin seated on the ground with a bench directly behind you. Have a loaded barbell over your legs. Using a fat bar or having a mat/pad on the bar can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by this exercise.
2. Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lean back against the bench so that your shoulder blades are near the top of it.
3. Begin the movement by driving through your feet, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your shoulder blades and your feet. Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.

Option B

1. Begin by deadlifting the loaded barbell then sitting down on the bench placing the loaded barbell in your lap.
2. Slide your back down the bench into the starting position.
3. Begin the movement by driving through your feet, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your shoulder blades and your feet. Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.

 

Video Credit – Fit Girl Nikki LLC
Exercise Caption – Bodybuilding.com

 

A little comparison from last year to this year and from 2012 to more recent 2017 (FYI: I started targeting my glutes more in July 2013 after deciding to compete.)

 

 

“Fall in love with the process and the results will come!”

See Also:

Hovering Hip Abduction!!

Shin Boxes & Banded Single Leg Glute Bridges

Glute Kick Ups / Kick Backs / Donkey Kicks

Kettle Bell Deadlift to Goblet Squat Combo