Machine Hip Thrust alternatives

Machine Hip Thrust is a compound glutes exercise. Its primary joint action is hip extension.

Target muscle
Glutes
Joint action
hip extension
Type
Compound
Equipment
Machine

12 alternatives, ranked

All share the joint action hip extension. Ranked the way the GainsLog app swaps exercises: same joint action first, then the same compound or isolation type.

Machine Hip Thrust alternatives
#Exercise
1Barbell Hip ThrustBarbell · Compound
2Cable Pull ThroughCable · Compound
3Cable Step UpCable · Compound
4Dumbbell Single Leg Hip ThrustDumbbells · Compound
5Glute BridgeBarbell · Compound
6Single Leg Glute BridgeBodyweight and home · Compound
7Smith Hip ThrustSmith machine · Compound
8Step UpDumbbells · Compound
9Plate Loaded Hip ThrustMachine · Compound
10Elevated Kettlebell Sumo SquatKettlebell · Compound
11Elevated Smith LungeSmith machine · Compound
12Glute-Focused Assisted Dumbbell Bulgarian Split SquatDumbbells · Compound

Swapping Machine Hip Thrust mid-workout?

In the app, tap Swap on any exercise: GainsLog suggests alternatives ranked the same way (same joint action, then same type) and keeps a separate progression for each one.

Download on the App Store

How GainsLog picks a substitute

  1. 1

    Same joint action

    A substitute has to work your glutes through the same primary joint action as Machine Hip Thrust: hip extension. An exercise with a different joint action trains the muscle differently, so the app treats it as variety, not a swap.

  2. 2

    Same compound or isolation type

    Machine Hip Thrust is a compound lift, so other compound lifts rank above isolation moves.

  3. 3

    Spread across equipment

    Equipment doesn't change the ranking. The list only caps how many picks come from each type of equipment, so there is an option whether you train with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines or your bodyweight.

Swap exercises mid-workout in GainsLog

Tap swap on any exercise and the app suggests alternatives with the same joint action, then keeps a separate progression for each one so your targets stay honest.

Download on the App Store

FAQ

What is the best alternative to Machine Hip Thrust?
Barbell Hip Thrust (Barbell) ranks first. It works your glutes through the same joint action, hip extension, and is a compound lift.
What can I do instead of Machine Hip Thrust at home?
Try Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust, Single Leg Glute Bridge, or Step Up. They need only your bodyweight or a few free weights and use the same joint action.
Will swapping Machine Hip Thrust for an alternative slow my progress?
Not if the swap uses the same joint action and you keep pushing your sets close to failure. Log the new exercise separately and build its progression from your first session.

More glutes exercise alternatives