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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
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