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Exercise · Glutes

Machine Hip Thrust guide

The Machine Hip Thrust is a beginner-level compound machine lift that trains the Glutes (Gluteus Maximus). Use it when you want more glutes work with machine. Keep the range honest, add load only when every rep looks the same.

TargetGlutes (Gluteus Maximus)
SecondaryGlutes
EquipmentMachine
MechanicsCompound
ForcePush/Pull
LevelBeginner
Sets × reps3–5 × 3–6

What muscles does the machine hip thrust work?

The Machine Hip Thrust primarily trains the Glutes (Gluteus Maximus), recruiting the surrounding glutes musculature and supporting muscles as a compound lift. Train it as part of a balanced glutes routine.

How do you do the machine hip thrust?

To do the Machine Hip Thrust: adjust the seat so the machine's pivot matches the joint you are training. strap in if there is a pad, then start the machine hip thrust; move the load with the glutes (gluteus maximus). if another muscle takes over, shorten the range until glutes (gluteus maximus) is doing the work; control the lowering half. a bounce at the bottom is a missed rep on the machine hip thrust; stop 1–2 reps before form breaks. add weight or a harder variation only after every working set looks the same.

  1. Adjust the seat so the machine's pivot matches the joint you are training. Strap in if there is a pad, then start the machine hip thrust.
  2. Move the load with the glutes (gluteus maximus). If another muscle takes over, shorten the range until glutes (gluteus maximus) is doing the work.
  3. Control the lowering half. A bounce at the bottom is a missed rep on the machine hip thrust.
  4. Stop 1–2 reps before form breaks. Add weight or a harder variation only after every working set looks the same.

What are the most common machine hip thrust mistakes?

  • Turning the machine hip thrust into a momentum drill. — Slow the first two seconds of the lowering half until the glutes (gluteus maximus) stays tense.
  • Cutting the range short to move more load. — Own the longest range you can keep tidy. Load comes after range.
  • Letting the machine dictate sloppy setup. — Reset stance, grip and brace before every set, not after the first ugly rep.

Machine Hip Thrust alternatives

Machine Hip Thrust FAQ.

What muscles does the Machine Hip Thrust work?

The Machine Hip Thrust primarily targets the Glutes (Gluteus Maximus), training the Glutes as the main muscle group, along with supporting muscles as a compound movement.

Is the Machine Hip Thrust a compound or isolation exercise?

The Machine Hip Thrust is a compound exercise — it works multiple muscles and joints at once, so you can load it heavily.

What equipment do I need for the Machine Hip Thrust?

You need a machine. Difficulty is rated beginner.

What are good alternatives to the Machine Hip Thrust?

Good glutes alternatives include Barbell Hip Thrust, Kettlebell Swing, Sumo Deadlift.

Add the machine hip thrust to your workout.

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