Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Quadriceps, Core
Equipment
Bodyweight
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Hinge
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The kneeling hip thrust leans your body backward while kneeling, then drives your hips forward to return upright—training hip extension in a unique plane that also stretches your quadriceps. This bodyweight exercise works both glutes and quads while requiring no equipment.
When to use it
Use for bodyweight training or as a warm-up for heavy hip thrusts.
Who it's for
Beginners to intermediate lifters seeking bodyweight glute training.
Kneel with your body in a straight line from knees to head. Lean backward by hinging at your knees while keeping your torso rigid—do not bend at your hips. Drive your hips forward to return upright by squeezing your glutes hard.
Also targets: Quadriceps, Core
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Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart.
Keep your torso upright and arms crossed over your chest.
Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine position.
Lean back by hinging at your knees while keeping torso straight.
Lower until you feel a stretch in your quads and glutes engaged.
Drive your hips forward to return to the upright kneeling position.
Keep your body in a straight line from knees to head.
Squeeze your glutes hard as you drive forward.
Control the lean back phase to maximize time under tension.
Start with a smaller range of motion and progress gradually.
Program kneeling hip thrusts for bodyweight glute and quad work, as warm-up before heavy hip thrusts, or when equipment is unavailable. Use moderate to high reps. They pair well with glute bridges and bodyweight squats.
Bending at the hips instead of leaning as one unit.
Losing hip position during the Kneeling Hip Thrust changes the loading pattern and can reduce the intended work for your Glutes (gluteus maximus). Keep your hips aligned with the setup cues and move only through the range you can control.
Allowing the lower back to arch excessively.
Changing your back position during the Kneeling Hip Thrust can alter the movement and make the load harder to control. Brace your midsection and keep the torso position called for by the exercise.
Going too far back before building adequate strength.
Changing your back position during the Kneeling Hip Thrust can alter the movement and make the load harder to control. Brace your midsection and keep the torso position called for by the exercise.
Beginners to intermediate lifters seeking bodyweight glute training.
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 12-15 reps. Rest 60 seconds between sets.
This is one example of how Kneeling Hip Thrust could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Kneeling Hip Thrust
The Kneeling Hip Thrust primarily targets the Glutes (gluteus maximus), Quadriceps, making it an effective exercise for glutes development. Secondary muscles worked during the Kneeling Hip Thrust include Core, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Hip flexors, Lower back.
Yes, the Kneeling Hip Thrust is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. Beginners to intermediate lifters seeking bodyweight glute training. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Kneeling Hip Thrust, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 60 seconds between sets. For strength, use 8-10 reps. For muscle growth, perform 12-15 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
Yes, the Kneeling Hip Thrust can be done at home with no equipment. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting glutes.
Good alternatives to the Kneeling Hip Thrust include: Glute Bridge, Hip Thrust Machine, Barbell Hip Thrust. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Kneeling Hip Thrust and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.