Barbell Hip Thrust
Equipment: Barbell
Primary muscle: Gluteus Maximus
Category: isolation
Movement: push
Core
Upper
Front
How to Perform Barbell Hip Thrust
The barbell hip thrust is a compound lower-body exercise that primarily targets the glutes while also engaging the hamstrings and core. Performed with the upper back supported on a bench and a barbell positioned across the hips, the movement involves driving through the heels to lift the hips until the torso is parallel to the floor, then lowering the hips under control. Emphasizing a strong glute contraction at the top and maintaining a neutral spine throughout the movement helps maximize glute activation and build hip extension strength.