← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
AbductorsGlutesAdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadriceps
Hip Thrust (Smith)
Place a bench behind the Smith machine. Sit on the floor and place the bar across your hips (use a pad!). Thrust your hips up to lock out.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Glutes (max)
Secondary
Hamstrings
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Smith MachineBench
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on the bench with your upper back against it and your feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
- Position the Smith barbell over your hips, ensuring it is resting comfortably.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Place your feet flat on the ground, slightly in front of your knees, ensuring your knees are aligned with your toes.
- Adjust your foot position to find the most comfortable angle for your hips.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
- Keep your back straight and your shoulder blades retracted.
- Step 4Lift Your Hips
- Push through your heels to lift your hips upward, driving the barbell up with your hips.
- Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement, ensuring your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
- Step 5Lower Your Hips
- Slowly lower your hips back down towards the ground, maintaining control of the barbell.
- Do not let your back round; keep your core engaged as you lower.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the hip thrust for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- Stand up slowly, ensuring you maintain your balance before stepping away from the bench.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.
_Thighs_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)
-(male)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension
Glutes (max)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)
Lower Back

Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)
Quads

Sumo Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)
Glutes (max)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)
Hamstrings

Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Hack Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Shuttle (Band)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Squat (Smith)
Quads

Box Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Squat - Wide (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)
Hamstrings
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Press (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Thighs-FIX_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Pull Through (Cable)
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)
Glutes (max)

Swing (Kettlebell)
Glutes (max)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat
Quads

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Glutes (max)
-(left)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Landmine Deadlift
Hamstrings

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)
Quads

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)
Quads

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)
Hamstrings

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)
Glutes (max)

Rear Decline Bridge
Glutes (max)

Squat (Band)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hip_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)
Glutes (max)

Hack Squat (Smith)
Quads