Active Health Hub

Glute Bridge (Hip Lift): How to Do It

Written and clinically reviewed by Christopher Burdon, DC

· Last reviewed

One of the most effective ways to take pressure off your lower back by improving glute strength.

Some people feel cramping in the hamstrings at first—this is simply a sign that your glutes are not activating yet and usually improves with practice.

When to Be Cautious

You may want to modify or avoid this if:

  • The movement causes sharp lower back pain
  • You feel pain travelling down the leg (see sciatica page)
  • You cannot lift your hips without significant discomfort

If unsure, seek professional advice.

What This Exercise Helps With

The glute bridge is a simple way to strengthen the muscles at the back of your hips—particularly the glutes.

These muscles play a key role in supporting your lower back during movement.

If your glutes aren’t doing their job well, your lower back often ends up compensating.

That can lead to:

  • Ongoing tightness
  • Fatigue in the lower back
  • Reduced control during movement

Think of your glutes as the main support system for your lower back.

If they’re not doing their job, your back becomes the backup system—and it’s not built for that role.

When This is Most Useful

This exercise is most useful in the following situations:

How to do the Exercise

Follow these steps:

  1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor
  2. Place your arms by your sides
  3. Gently squeeze your buttock muscles to activate the glutes
  4. Press through your heels and lift your hips off the floor
  5. Lift until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees
  6. Slowly lower back down to the starting position
Glute bridge starting position — lying on a mat with knees bent and feet flat on the floorGlute bridge exercise in progress — hips rising off the floor with core engagedGlute bridge raised position — hips fully lifted with glutes contracted at the top of the movement

The movement should feel controlled and steady—not rushed or forced.

How Many Should You Do?

Start with:

  • 8–12 repetitions
  • 1–3 sets
  • 1–2 times per day

As it becomes easier:

  • Increase repetitions gradually
  • Focus on control rather than height

You Should Feel

  • Effort mainly in your glutes (not your lower back)
  • A controlled lift rather than a forceful push
  • Your back staying relatively relaxed

If you’re feeling it in the front of your thighs, try bringing your feet closer to your buttocks.

You Should Not Feel

  • Pain in your lower back
  • Pressure in your neck or shoulders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Try not to:

  • Push up too high and overarch your lower back
  • Drive through your toes instead of your heels
  • Rush the movement
  • Hold your breath

Keep the movement slow and controlled.

Clinic Tip

Most people think higher is better here—but that usually just brings your lower back into it.

The goal isn’t height—it’s getting the right muscles doing the work.

Key Insight

Early on, this isn’t really about strength.

It’s about getting your glutes to switch on at the right time so your back doesn’t have to compensate.

When to Use This Exercise

This exercise works particularly well:

  • After periods of inactivity
  • As part of a low back strengthening routine
  • As a general warm-up exercise before sport or work

If your back feels more stable or less strained afterwards, that’s a good sign your glutes are contributing more effectively.

How This Fits Into Your Recovery

This is a key strengthening exercise.

It helps:

  • Improve muscle support around the spine
  • Reduce load on the lower back
  • Build confidence with movement

From here, you may want to combine it with: