Kettlebell Glute Bridge

Beginner
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Kettlebell-loaded hip bridge that targets glutes and hamstrings to build posterior chain strength and hip stability; commonly progressed by increasing weight or adding pauses.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

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

8/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

5/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie on your back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, hip-width apart. Place a kettlebell on your pelvis and hold it with both hands.

  1. Brace your core and tilt pelvis to flatten lower back.
  2. Press through heels to lift hips, squeezing glutes.
  3. Form a straight line from shoulders to knees at the top.
  4. Hold the squeeze for one second.
  5. Lower hips slowly with control.
  6. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive through heels
  • Squeeze glutes hard
  • Keep core tight
  • Avoid arching back
  • Maintain neutral spine

Breathing

Inhale as you lower your hips; exhale as you lift and squeeze.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lift hips until shoulders, hips, and knees align in a straight line; lower until hips lightly touch the floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain exists
  • Use padding under kettlebell for comfort
  • Prioritize form over heavier weight
  • Stop if back discomfort occurs

Spotting

Spotting not required; use lighter weight if needed for stability.

Common Mistakes

  • Hyperextending lower back
  • Letting kettlebell shift
  • Pushing with hamstrings only
  • Rushing the lowering phase
  • Not engaging core

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Hip impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip extension range
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for foot positioning

Build Up First

  • Mastery of bodyweight glute bridge
  • Basic core bracing ability

Also known as

KB Glute Bridge, Weighted Glute Bridge, Kettlebell Hip Bridge

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