Kettlebell Glute Bridge

Beginner
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A floor-based hip extension movement using a kettlebell for resistance, primarily targeting the glutes to develop strength, power, and hypertrophy in the lower body.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

8

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

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Use longer rest for heavy strength sets, shorter for hypertrophy focus.

How to Perform

Lie supine on the floor with knees bent, feet flat, and heels close to the glutes. Center the kettlebell vertically over the hips or pelvis, securing it with both hands.

  1. Brace your core and drive your feet into the floor to initiate hip extension.
  2. Push the hips up until the torso and thighs form a straight line.
  3. Squeeze the glutes powerfully at the peak of the movement.
  4. Slowly and with control, lower the hips back down to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips high and lock
  • Squeeze glutes hard
  • Ribs down/braced
  • Feet flat on floor

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the hips, and powerfully exhale as you drive the hips upward, maintaining a tight core brace throughout.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with hips on the floor and finish with the hips fully extended, creating a straight line from the shoulders to the knees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid excessive weight if you cannot maintain a neutral spine.
  • Ensure the kettlebell is secured to prevent it from rolling.

Spotting

Not required. The weight can be easily set down if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting the hips too high and hyperextending the lower back.
  • Failing to maintain core tension.
  • Pushing mainly through the heels or toes.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Severe knee pain during bending

Build Up First

  • Basic glute activation competency

Also known as

Kettlebell Hip Thrust, Flooring Hip Thrust

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