Glutes · Compound movement

Banded Hip Thrust

A compound exercise that targets the glutes with secondary work in hamstrings. Performed with barbell, flat bench, resistance bands.

Primary muscle

Glutes

Secondary muscles

Hamstrings

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

Intermediate

How to perform the Banded Hip Thrust

  1. Set up a barbell hip thrust with the upper back on a bench and a band looped around the knees.
  2. Roll the padded bar into the hip crease and plant the feet with shins vertical at the top.
  3. Drive the hips up while pushing the knees out against the band to keep the glutes engaged.
  4. The band adds an abduction demand, so resist letting the knees collapse in as you lock out.
  5. Squeeze the glutes at full hip extension with the ribs down and pelvis tucked.
  6. Lower under control, maintaining outward knee pressure against the band the whole way.

Suggested working range: 1015 reps. Default progression: double progression.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the band pull the knees inward at the top instead of pressing them out.
  • Hyperextending the lower back at lockout rather than squeezing the glutes.
  • Driving through the toes so the shins pass vertical and the hamstrings take over.
  • Collapsing the knees in on the descent and losing the abduction stimulus.

Variations & alternatives

Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.

Use this exercise in a program

The Banded Hip Thrust fits naturally into hypertrophy and strength splits that prioritize glutes volume.

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