Hip thrust alternative exercises were exactly what I needed when I got tired of the same old glute routine.

At first, hip thrust machines gave me that great glute burn and fast results. But over time, they didn’t feel as effective, and I started losing interest.

That’s when I realized I needed to try something else. Finding hip thrust alternatives made all the difference for me. In this post, I’m sharing 10 alternative exercises that helped me get stronger, stay consistent, and actually enjoy my workouts again—like squats, kettlebell swings, sumo deadlifts, cable pull-through, romanian deadlift, glute bridge, cable kickback, and hyperextension.

Top 10 Best Hip Thrust Alternatives

Barbell Back Squat

I feel it all through my legs and glutes. It just makes me feel solid and strong.

My steps:

  • Bar on upper back (not neck)
  • Feet shoulder-width, toes slightly out
  • Hips go back like sitting on a chair
  • Drive through heels, squeeze glutes at the top

Cable Pull-Through

This lights up my glutes and hamstrings fast and doesn’t stress my back.

My steps:

  • I face away from the cable, rope between my legs
  • I keep my knees soft and push my hips back
  • Then I thrust my hips forward and squeeze my glutes

Sumo Deadlift

It works my glutes, inner thighs, and hamstrings, and that wide stance makes me feel strong.

My steps:

  • Feet wide, toes out
  • Grip bar inside legs
  • Chest up, pull bar close
  • Lock out at top, glutes tight

Split-Stance Romanian Deadlift

It burns my glutes and hamstrings while testing my balance.

My steps:

  • One foot forward, one back
  • Hinge at hips and lower slowly
  • Push through front heel to stand

Bulgarian Split Squat

This crushes my glutes and quads and makes one leg work harder than ever.

My steps:

  • Back foot on bench, front foot forward
  • Drop back knee, chest tall
  • Push through front heel to rise

Kettlebell Swing

It powers up my glutes and hamstrings while giving me a mini cardio blast.

My steps:

  • Bell between legs
  • Hinge hips, swing to chest height
  • Let it fall back and repeat

Single-Leg Glute Bridge

I feel it deep in my glutes and hamstrings, and it helps fix strength imbalances.

My steps:

  • Lie down, one foot on floor, other leg up
  • Drive through heel, lift hips
  • Squeeze at top, lower with control

Cable Kickback

My glutes fire instantly, and the movement stays smooth and focused.

My steps:

  • Strap cable to ankle, face machine
  • Kick leg straight back, squeeze at top
  • Return slow and controlled

Hyperextension

I get a great glute and lower back workout, and it helps me stay strong overall.

My steps:

  • Hips just over pad
  • Cross arms or hold a plate
  • Lower slow, lift with glutes and back

Reverse Hyperextension

This hits my glutes and hamstrings hard while keeping my lower back happy.

My steps:

How to Choose the Right hip thrust alternative?

Okay, so how do you pick the right alternative to hip thrust? Honestly, it depends on what you want to focus on.

Here are some references:

GoalRecommended AlternativesReason
For StrengthSumo Deadlift, Barbell Back SquatFocuses on heavy lifting for building strength.
For Glute ActivationSingle-Leg Glute Bridge, Bulgarian Split Squat, Cable KickbackIsolates and activates the glutes effectively.
For Core EngagementKettlebell Swing, Reverse HyperextensionEngages both glutes and core.
For Balance and StabilitySplit-Stance Romanian Deadlift, Bulgarian Split SquatImproves balance and unilateral strength.

Trying a hip thrust alternative really made a difference for me. My glutes are stronger, and workouts don’t feel like a chore anymore.

That’s what made the biggest difference for me.

I believe you can do it too.

Persistence is everything.


Related articlehttps://www.inpek-fitness.com/standing-hip-thrust-machine/

Jessica Camp

I’m Jessica Camp, a passionate fitness enthusiast and the creative force behind Inpek Fitness’s content. With over a decade in the fitness industry, I combine my expertise in exercise science with a deep knowledge of commercial gym equipment. I’m dedicated to promoting health and wellness by sharing valuable tips, training techniques, and the latest trends in Pin Loaded Machines, Plate Loaded Machines, Multi Function Gym Machines, Gym Multi, and Free Weights. Whether you’re a gym owner or a fitness enthusiast, my articles are crafted to inspire and empower you to reach your fitness goals. When I’m not writing, I love working out and exploring innovative fitness solutions.




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