Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust.

MediumGlutes

About this exercise

A unilateral glute exercise performed with a dumbbell resting on the working hip, with the upper back braced against a bench and one leg raised. The single-leg variation increases glute activation and core demand compared to the bilateral version.

How to Perform

  • Sit on the floor with your upper back against the side of a bench, knees bent and feet flat on the floor
  • Place a dumbbell on the crease of one hip and hold it securely with both hands
  • Lift the opposite foot off the floor, keeping that knee bent at roughly 90 degrees
  • Drive through the heel of the grounded foot to thrust the hips upward until the body forms a straight line from shoulder to knee
  • Squeeze the glute of the working leg hard at the top
  • Lower the hips in a controlled manner until they hover just above the floor
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching legs

Muscle Activation

Primary
Glutes
Secondary
QuadricepsHamstrings

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust

The Dumbbell Single Leg Hip Thrust is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.