Exercise guide
Celebratory Hip Thrust
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
- Waist
This dynamic bodyweight hinge strengthens the quadriceps and core by utilizing explosive hip extension and controlled stabilization. It improves pelvic control and lower-body coordination while emphasizing the rectus abdominis through peak contraction.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie flat on your back on a comfortable surface with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Position your feet hip-width apart, tucked close to your glutes so your shins are nearly vertical.
- Place your arms out to the sides or reach them toward the ceiling to increase the core stability requirement.
How to do it
- Exhale and drive through the balls of your feet to thrust your hips upward toward the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
- At the peak of the movement, perform a sharp, intentional contraction of your abdominals and quadriceps.
- Inhale as you lower your hips back to the starting position with a controlled, two-second descent.
Form checklist
- Keep your lower back pressed into the floor at the start of each rep to pre-engage the abs.
- Avoid over-arching the lumbar spine at the top; focus on a neutral pelvis.
- Ensure your knees stay aligned with your toes and do not cave inward during the thrust.
- Maintain a tight core throughout the entire range of motion to protect the spine.
Pro tips
- To maximize quad engagement, focus on pushing through the mid-foot and toes rather than just the heels.
- Visualize pulling your ribcage down toward your pelvis at the top of the thrust to deepen the abdominal contraction.
Make it harder
- Increase the tempo of the upward thrust while maintaining a very slow, four-second descent.
- Perform the movement with your arms reaching straight up toward the ceiling to significantly reduce your base of support.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the celebratory hip thrust work?
- The celebratory hip thrust primarily targets the glutes, and also works the hamstrings as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the celebratory hip thrust?
- The celebratory hip thrust requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the celebratory hip thrust good for beginners?
- Yes. The celebratory hip thrust is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.