Dumbbell Frog Pump exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Dumbbell Frog Pump

Beginner
Home Friendly

A glute bridge variation with feet together and knees flared out, using a dumbbell on the hips to isolate and strengthen the gluteus maximus and medius for hypertrophy and activation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

10/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

4/10

Abs

3/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Shorter for activation sets

How to Perform

Lie on your back on a mat with soles of feet together near glutes, knees flared wide. Place a dumbbell across your hips and hold it steady.

  1. Engage core and press lower back into floor.
  2. Drive through heels to lift hips toward ceiling, squeezing glutes.
  3. Form a straight line from knees to shoulders at top.
  4. Pause and contract glutes for one second.
  5. Lower hips slowly back to floor, keeping tension in glutes.
  6. Repeat for reps, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze glutes hard
  • Knees stay wide
  • Drive through outer feet
  • Keep chin tucked
  • Lower back flat

Breathing

Inhale as you lower hips; exhale as you lift and squeeze glutes. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower hips to lightly touch floor; extend until hips align with knees and shoulders, without overarching lower back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if hip, knee, or ankle pain exists
  • Start bodyweight to check mobility
  • Use spotter for heavy weights
  • Stop if lower back pinches

Spotting

Assist by helping position dumbbell or pressing lightly on hips for stability; not typically needed for moderate weights.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum to lift
  • Letting knees cave in
  • Not pausing at top
  • Holding dumbbell too loosely

When to Avoid

  • Hip joint issues
  • Knee pain
  • Lower back strain
  • Ankle discomfort

Flexibility Needed

  • Hip external rotation
  • Ankle dorsiflexion

Build Up First

  • Master bodyweight glute bridge
  • Core bracing competency

Also known as

Weighted Frog Pump, Frog Glute Bridge, Dumbbell Hip Thrust Frog

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.