Barbell hip thrust alternatives

Dumbbell and machine hip thrusts preserve bench- or pad-supported hip extension. Floor-based glute bridges offer alternatives when the bench or barbell setup is unavailable.

Bench support, floor support and load placement change the starting position and available range. Keep the weight secure at the hips and choose a separate load for each setup.

Two side-view anatomical illustrations of a woman performing a barbell hip thrust on a white background. In the left frame her upper back rests on a flat bench, her knees are bent, her hips hang low in front of the bench and she steadies a thickly padded barbell across her hips. In the right frame she has raised the bar until her torso and thighs are nearly level, with both feet flat and the bar still held in place. Red shading covers the buttocks and broad areas of the back, inner and front of both thighs, corresponding to the gluteal, hamstring, adductor and quadriceps regions.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Similar movement

    Dumbbell hip thrust

    You need: Dumbbells + Flat bench

    Why it fits
    Keeps hip extension with the upper back supported on a bench.
    What changes
    One dumbbell replaces the padded bar across your hips. Hold it securely and use a bench that cannot slide or tip; available dumbbell size can limit loading.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a hip thrust machine at the lowered and raised positions, with the glutes highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Hip thrust machine

    You need: Hip thrust machine

    Why it fits
    Keeps loaded hip extension with upper-back support.
    What changes
    A dedicated padded lever or belt replaces the free barbell. Adjust its support and safety catch before choosing a machine load.
    See exercise guide
  • Similar movement

    Barbell glute bridge

    You need: Barbell and plates + Barbell hip pad + Padded floor mat

    Why it fits
    Keeps barbell-loaded hip extension without a bench.
    What changes
    Your shoulders stay on the floor, changing the starting position and range. Use padding at the hip crease and follow the guide’s bar-placement instructions.
    See exercise guide
  • Similar movement

    Dumbbell glute bridge

    You need: Dumbbells + Padded floor mat

    Why it fits
    Keeps loaded hip extension with a simpler floor setup.
    What changes
    The shoulders rest on the floor and one dumbbell is held across the hips. Floor support changes the range; select a load you can position and keep steady.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a bodyweight glute bridge shown lying down and with the hips raised, with the gluteal region highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Glute bridge

    You need: Floor space (no equipment)

    Why it fits
    Keeps a hip-extension action without an external weight.
    What changes
    Your shoulders remain on the floor and there is no load across the hips. It may be much less demanding than a loaded thrust and does not preserve its working weight.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

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