Exercise Comparison
Barbell Glute Bridge vs Downward Facing Balance
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Glute Bridge
Only in Downward Facing Balance
Instructions
Barbell Glute Bridge
Begin seated on the ground with a loaded barbell over your legs. Using a fat bar or having a pad on the bar can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by this exercise. Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lay down flat on the floor.
Begin the movement by driving through with your heels, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your upper back and the heels of your feet.
Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Downward Facing Balance
Lie facedown on top of an exercise ball.
While resting on your stomach on the ball, walk your hands forward along the floor and lift your legs, extending your elbows and knees.
Verdict
Both exercises target the glutes. Barbell Glute Bridge is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while Downward Facing Balance is intermediate and uses exercise ball. Choose Barbell Glute Bridge if you have access to barbell, or Downward Facing Balance if you prefer exercise ball. Barbell Glute Bridge is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Downward Facing Balance isolates the target muscle for focused development.