Glute Bridge (Kettlebell)
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A lower body isolation exercise where a kettlebell is held on your hips as you drive your hips upward, targeting the glutes and improving hip extension.
Instructions
- Lie on your back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, positioned hip-width apart.
- Place a kettlebell across your hips, holding it securely with both hands.
- Drive through your heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling, extending through your glutes.
- Pause at the top where your shoulders, hips, and knees form a straight line.
- Squeeze your glutes maximally at the peak of the movement before lowering.
- Lower your hips back down to the ground in a controlled manner and repeat.
Tips
- Focus on squeezing your glutes intensely at the top of each repetition for maximum activation.
- Drive through your heels rather than your toes to maintain proper glute engagement.
- Keep your core braced throughout to protect your lower back from excessive arching.
- Full range of motion at the bottom position improves stretch and overall glute development.
- Increase difficulty by using heavier kettlebells or pausing longer at the top of each rep.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps | 13 kg | 12 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps | 12 kg | 11 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps | 9 kg | 8 kg |
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