Exercise Comparison
Barbell Hip Thrust vs Hip Extension with Bands
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Hip Thrust
Instructions
Barbell Hip Thrust
Begin seated on the ground with a bench directly behind you. Have 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 lean back against the bench so that your shoulder blades are near the top of it.
Begin the movement by driving through your feet, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your shoulder blades and your feet. Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Hip Extension with Bands
Secure one end of the band to the lower portion of a post and attach the other to one ankle.
Facing the attachment point of the band, hold on to the column to stabilize yourself.
Keeping your head and your chest up, move the resisted leg back as far as you can while keeping the knee straight.
Return the leg to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the glutes. Barbell Hip Thrust is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while Hip Extension with Bands is beginner and uses bands. Choose Hip Extension with Bands if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Hip Thrust for a greater challenge.