Glutes · Compound movement

Barbell Glute Bridge

A compound exercise that targets the glutes with secondary work in hamstrings. Performed with barbell.

Primary muscle

Glutes

Secondary muscles

Hamstrings

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

Intermediate

How to perform the Barbell Glute Bridge

  1. Sit on the floor and roll a padded barbell over the legs into the hip crease.
  2. Lie flat with the back on the floor, knees bent, and feet planted near the glutes.
  3. Unlike a hip thrust, the shoulders stay on the ground, giving a shorter range from the floor.
  4. Drive through the heels to lift the hips and bar until the thighs reach full extension.
  5. Squeeze the glutes hard at the top with the ribs down and pelvis tucked.
  6. Lower the bar under control back toward the floor, then drive up for the next rep.

Suggested working range: 812 reps. Default progression: double progression.

Common mistakes

  • Hyperextending the lower back to raise the bar higher instead of extending the hips.
  • Driving through the toes rather than the heels and loading the hamstrings.
  • Not padding the bar, which makes the hip-crease load painful and cuts the set short.
  • Using a partial range that never reaches full hip extension.

Variations & alternatives

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

Use this exercise in a program

The Barbell Glute Bridge fits naturally into hypertrophy and strength splits that prioritize glutes volume.

Browse training programs →

Track your sets and reps automatically with MuscleBuddy

Free workout logging, auto-progression, and a coaching layer that adapts to your real data.

Create your free account