We utilize both barbell hip thrusts and supine bridges on a regular basis in our programming. Popularized by Bret Contreras, we started utilizing these exercises in 2011 – and haven’t looked back since.

They’re great alternatives to squatting and deadlifting for those with a history of back pain, and can be awesome options for training the posterior chain in those with upper body conditions that may be exacerbated by certain squat and deadlift variations. They don’t create a ton of soreness, so they can be awesome in-season exercises for athletes. And, they’ll build bigger, stronger glutes that seem to carry over better to athletic performance because of the horizontally directed force (as opposed to the vertically directed force we see with squats and deadlifts). In short, I think they’re awesome on a number of fronts – and they’re here to stay.

While even the most inexperienced athlete can pick these drills up relatively quickly, that’s not to say that there aren’t a few common technique mistakes for which you need to watch out. Check out this video to learn how to correct these issues: