Adding Glute Bridges Into Your Workout? Here's How to Do One with Top-Notch Form

Let’s face it: It’s easy to glaze over your core strength when you’re a dedicated indoor cyclist, runner, or rower. But a strong and supportive trunk is the key to unlocking that personal record, as well as better posture, balance, and overall well-being.

Sure, sit-ups and planks can help, but your core is about more than just your abs. Your hips and glutes, known as your posterior chain, are also a big part of the picture. And to build a stronger core, Peloton instructor Marcel Maurer often turns to glute bridges. In fact, he deems it a “must-have” in your training program.

To help you safely and effectively master this move, we asked Marcel and Kelcie Wittman, PT, DPT, a Colorado-based board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy to share their secrets.

What Is a Glute Bridge?

A glute bridge is a simple strength exercise that activates your core, glutes, and hamstrings. You’ll often find glute bridges sprinkled into strength training classes or programs. It’s also a staple in certain yoga flows.

“The exercise is easy to learn, functional, healthy for your body, and makes you feel the burn,” Marcel says. “Lots of experts in yoga, mobility, and strength are fans of this move.” 

What Muscles Does a Glute Bridge Work?

In short: a lot. “A bridge places your body in hip extension and knee flexion, which are movements primarily performed by your glutes and hamstring muscles,” Wittman says. Translation: Lying on the floor with your knees bent and hips lifted works your glutes and the backs of your legs. 

This move also engages your core, specifically your transversus abdominis, which helps lift and stabilize your hips as they move up and down. The calves also get a baby boost from this exercise, Marcel says.

The Benefits of Glute Bridges

Challenging core-centric moves, such as glute bridges, do more than just give you a good workout. Some of the benefits of glute bridges include:

Will Glute Bridges Help Reduce Lower Back Pain?

Glute bridges can also offer support to your lower back. A 2018 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy found that bridges bolster core and spinal stabilization, which can refine your posture and help remove tension from your lower back. This exercise may also be beneficial if you have chronic lower back pain. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that core stability exercises may help treat those with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). 

The key to scoring all of these benefits for your back is to perform the move properly, Wittman says. “When lifting up into a bridge, it’s important to keep your core engaged and squeeze your glutes while thinking about driving the motion from your legs and hips,” she says. “This will help you maintain a neutral spinal posture and prevent your low back from arching. A common mistake is lifting into a bridge with your lower back, which causes your back to arch and may actually increase low back pain.”

How to Properly Do a Glute Bridge

Proper technique is vital when doing a glute bridge. Marcel walks us through how to perform a glute bridge with good form:

How Long Should You Hold a Glute Bridge for?

It depends. The ideal sets and reps vary based on your goals, your personal health history, and your experience level with core and glute exercises, Wittman says

As a foundation, Marcel says that most active individuals can safely aim for three sets of 15 to 20 reps using just their body weight.  (More on adding weights later.) 

Can I Do Glute Bridges at Home Without Equipment? 

You bet. In fact, glute bridges are one of our picks for the eight best glute workouts to try at home for just that reason. All you need is your body and a comfortable floor. (A carpet, rug, or yoga mat may be helpful to cushion your lower back.)

Glute Bridge Variations and Alternatives

Remember: It’s OK to modify this exercise to make it work for you. Until you feel comfortable forming a straight line from your shoulders to your knees without pain or discomfort, Wittman suggests only lifting your hips partially off the ground into a half bridge. 

You can use your arms for leverage, pressing them gently into the floor while bridging to give your core and glutes a boost, or bring your heels an inch or two closer to your trunk. “Having more bend in your knees typically makes the bridge a little easier to perform,” Wittman says. And if you still feel out of sorts, seek out the help of a physical therapist or trainer.

If the equipment-free bodyweight bridge feels too easy, consider these options to make your glute bridge even more effective.

Glute Bridge vs. Hip Thrust

These two exercises are fairly similar, since you work the same muscle groups. However, the key difference between the two is that with a hip thrust, your body is usually elevated on a bench or step. With a classic glute bridge, your shoulders and back are on the floor.

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Glute Bridge

Make sure to steer clear of these common glute bridge mistakes to avoid injuries—and ensure you’re getting the most out of every rep. 

1. You’re Moving Too Quickly. 

Take your time to activate your core, glutes, and legs. Hustling and swinging through your sets is a recipe for injuries—and a waste of your time.

2. You’re Overextending. 

Avoid bringing your hips too high, as this may lead to lower back pain. Instead, try to maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.

3. You’re Not Engaging Your Glutes. 

To protect your lower back—and make this an effective exercise—squeeze your glute muscles with each rep to ensure they stay engaged. 

4. Your Feet Aren’t Rooted. 

Be careful not to neglect your feet. Focus on firmly pressing your heels down into the floor or pulling them in toward your glutes to engage your hamstrings and hips, Wittman says. 

How to Include Glute Bridges In Your Workout

You can integrate this move into your warmup, yoga flow, or even the resistance portion of your workout. Unsure of where to start? Try adding three sets of 15 to 20 reps to your routine three times per week—or try a workout on the Peloton App, many of which will include this popular exercise.