Exercise guide

Best Glute Exercises

There is no single required glute exercise. A better approach is to choose complementary movements you can perform comfortably and progressively.

Hip extension

Bridges and hip thrust variations emphasize hip extension and are easy to scale from bodyweight to added resistance.

Squat and lunge patterns

Squats, split squats, step-ups and lunges train the glutes alongside the rest of the lower body. Stance, depth, load and technique change how each variation feels.

Hip hinges

Deadlift and Romanian-deadlift patterns combine hip extension with substantial hamstring involvement and can provide a strong loaded stimulus.

Abduction and stability

Band walks, abduction variations and selected single-leg drills can complement heavier extension-focused movements.

Turn exercises into a plan

Pick a small number of movements you can progress instead of changing exercises constantly. Then use our stronger-glutes guide to organize them.