Barbell Glute Bridge
An intermediate compound powerlifting exercise that works the glutes, using a barbell.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Barbell Glute Bridge
- Begin seated on the ground with a loaded barbell over your legs. Using a fat bar or having a pad on the bar can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by this exercise. Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lay down flat on the floor.
- Begin the movement by driving through with your heels, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your upper back and the heels of your feet.
- Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Barbell Glute Bridge
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Barbell Hip Thrust
An intermediate compound powerlifting exercise that works the glutes, using a barbell.
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2
Single Leg Glute Bridge
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
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3
Hip Lift with Band
A beginner compound powerlifting exercise that works the glutes, using a resistance band.
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4
Kneeling Squat
An intermediate compound powerlifting exercise that works the glutes, using a barbell.
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5
Butt Lift (Bridge)
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
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6
Glute Kickback
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, needing no equipment.
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7
Physioball Hip Bridge
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the glutes, using an exercise ball.
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8
Downward Facing Balance
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, using an exercise ball.
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9
One-Legged Cable Kickback
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the glutes, using a cable machine.
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10
Squats
The squat is the king of lower body exercises, targeting the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while building core stability. It's a fundamental movement pattern that translates directly to everyday activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do barbell glute bridge work?
Barbell Glute Bridge primarily works the glutes. The calves and hamstrings assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for barbell glute bridge?
Barbell Glute Bridge uses barbell.
Barbell Glute Bridge: is it suitable for beginners?
Barbell Glute Bridge is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.
What can I do instead of barbell glute bridge?
Barbell Hip Thrust, Single Leg Glute Bridge, Hip Lift with Band train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my barbell glute bridge reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; barbell glute bridge can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Barbell Glute Bridge with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.