Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Hamstrings, Hip abductors
Equipment
Resistance Band
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Hinge
Want this exercise programmed into a full plan?
MySetPlan shows you when to use Banded Glute Bridge, how many sets and reps to do, what to pair it with, and how to progress next week.
2-minute quiz · No credit card required

NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.
The banded glute bridge adds a resistance band around your thighs that you push outward against while bridging, activating your gluteus medius alongside the gluteus maximus worked in standard bridges. This dual activation makes banded bridges more complete for total glute development.
When to use it
Use as a warm-up exercise or progression from bodyweight bridges.
Who it's for
All fitness levels wanting added resistance to glute bridges.
Place the band just above your knees and maintain constant outward pressure against it throughout the movement. Drive through your heels to bridge while pushing your knees apart. The band should stay taut even at the bottom position.
Also targets: Hamstrings, hip abductors
See where Banded Glute Bridge fits in your weekly plan
We slot it into the right day with sets, reps, and progression you can follow.
Place a resistance band around your thighs just above your knees.
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Position your feet hip-width apart with arms by your sides.
Push your knees out against the band while driving hips upward.
Squeeze your glutes at the top and hold for a brief pause.
Lower your hips back down with control while maintaining band tension.
Maintain constant outward pressure on the band throughout.
Drive through your heels rather than your toes.
Keep your core engaged to prevent lower back arching.
Choose a band with appropriate resistance for your strength level.
Program banded glute bridges as warm-up before heavy lower body work, as a progression from bodyweight bridges, or when you want to activate gluteus medius alongside gluteus maximus. Use moderate to high reps. They pair well with hip thrusts.
Letting knees cave inward against band resistance.
Letting your knees collapse inward during the Banded Glute Bridge puts dangerous rotational force on your knee ligaments. Push your knees out over your toes throughout the movement.
Losing tension on the band at bottom position.
Hip hinge movements like the Banded Glute Bridge demand precise mechanics. This mistake puts your lower back in a vulnerable position. Drive through your hips and let your Glutes (gluteus maximus) control the movement.
Overarching the lower back at the top.
A compromised back position during the Banded Glute Bridge puts your spine under unnecessary shear force. Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
All fitness levels wanting added resistance to glute bridges.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 15-20 reps. Rest 45 seconds between sets.
MySetPlan places Banded Glute Bridge inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, lets you swap if equipment is busy, and tells you what to do next.
Try Gym Mode FreeMySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the Banded Glute Bridge — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.
Take the Free Quiz2-minute quiz · No charge for 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions About the Banded Glute Bridge
The Banded Glute Bridge primarily targets the Glutes (gluteus maximus), Glutes (gluteus medius), making it an effective exercise for glutes development. Secondary muscles worked during the Banded Glute Bridge include Hamstrings, Hip abductors, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Lower back.
Yes, the Banded Glute Bridge is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All fitness levels wanting added resistance to glute bridges. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Banded Glute Bridge, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 15-20 reps. Rest 45 seconds between sets. For strength, use 10-12 reps. For muscle growth, perform 15-20 reps. For endurance, complete 20-30 reps.
Yes, the Banded Glute Bridge can be done at home with a resistance band. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting glutes.
Good alternatives to the Banded Glute Bridge include: Glute Bridge, Banded Hip Thrust, Clamshell. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Banded Glute Bridge and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.