Hip Extension

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A bodyweight exercise where you extend the leg backward to target the glutes and hamstrings for lower body strength.

Instructions

  1. Start on your hands and knees on a mat or floor.
  2. Keep your supporting knee directly under your hip.
  3. Extend one leg straight back, keeping it in line with your torso.
  4. Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.
  5. Return the knee to the starting position in a controlled manner.
  6. Complete all reps on one side before switching.

Tips

  • Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back.
  • Avoid hyperextending your back at the top of the movement.
  • Move slowly and focus on glute activation.
  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise.
  • Add a resistance band for increased difficulty.

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
Gain strength 3 9 reps
Build muscle 3 13 reps
Build endurance 3 16 reps

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength

Stability Ball Single Leg Glute Bridge

Learn more about stability ball single leg glute bridge
intermediate strength

Standing Hip Extension (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about standing hip extension (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
intermediate strength