How to Do the Barbell Hip Thrust | Glute Form Guide

Master the barbell hip thrust with our expert guide. Learn proper form, common mistakes to avoid, and the best setup for glute growth.

How to Perform

  1. Sit on the floor with your upper back resting against the long edge of a stable weight bench.
  2. Roll a loaded barbell over your legs until it sits directly in the crease of your hips.
  3. Place your feet flat on the ground hip-width apart with your knees bent at roughly a ninety-degree angle at the top of the movement.
  4. Drive through your heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling while keeping your chin tucked toward your chest.
  5. Continue the ascent until your torso is parallel to the floor and your glutes are fully contracted at the peak.
  6. Lower the weight under control until your hips are just above the floor before starting the next repetition.

Common Mistakes

  • Hyperextending the lower back at the top of the movement
  • Placing the feet too far forward and shifting the focus to the hamstrings
  • Allowing the knees to cave inward during the ascent
  • Lifting the head back and losing a neutral spine position

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Glutes

Stabilizers

  • Hamstrings
  • Adductors
  • Erector Spinae

Related Guides

Glutes · Legs