Exercises for the hips

Are you looking to target and strengthen your hip muscles? Within our exercise collection, we provide a variety of workouts designed to bolster your hip musculature. From hip thrusts to lateral leg lifts, we offer a diverse range of exercises to stabilize your hips and build a strong hip region.


muscle groups

Here, we provide you with a convenient way to navigate to the muscle groups that interest you the most. If you already know which muscle you want to target in your training, we offer a quick overview of the relevant categories.


Exercises for the hips

The hip plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the mobility of your body. Within this diverse overview, we provide a wide range of exercises such as Hip Thrusts, Kettlebell Swings, and Clamshells to strengthen your hip muscles and improve the functionality of your body. Pay your hips the attention they deserve!

Hip thrust with the barbell

The hip thrust with a barbell enables athletes primarily to strengthen the gluteus maximus and simultaneously stimulate the hamstrings and semitendinosus muscles. A benefit of this exercise is the consistent training stimulus for all three areas of the gluteal muscles and the stabilization of the hip region. To perform the hip thrust with a barbell, athletes need a weight bench on which to rest their shoulders.

Hip thrust with the barbell

The kettlebell swing is a key exercise in kettlebell training. It effectively strengthens not only the glutes and lower back but also allows for high energy expenditure. There are two different variations of this exercise: the American kettlebell swing and the Russian kettlebell swing. However, the focus is on the Russian kettlebell swing exercise, as it poses a lower risk of injury. Proper weight selection is crucial, as a minimum weight is required for optimal swinging.

Pull-through on the cable pull

Pull-throughs on the cable machine are becoming an increasingly popular fitness exercise, also known as hip extension on the cable machine. This exercise is often used by women, especially, to strengthen their gluteus maximus and provide additional stimulus to the oblique abdominal muscles. The exercise has a moderate difficulty level, so other variations are preferred for starting buttocks training.

Cable abduction

Abduction on the cable machine is an isolation exercise targeting the outside of the thighs. The training stimulus is directly on the middle gluteal muscle, the gluteus medius. Fitness enthusiasts can opt for this variation if they have access to a cable machine and an ankle strap.

Clamshell

The shell exercise is suitable for beginners due to its simple execution, aiming to target the abductors. The name of the exercise is derived from the leg movement resembling an opening shell. Training without equipment makes the shell ideal for a home workout. A Theraband can be used for the shell exercise to increase the training stimulus.

Fire Hydrant Kicks / Dirty Dog

The so-called fire hydrant exercise is also known as Dirty Dog or Fire Hydrant. Regular execution of this exercise can not only target the gluteus maximus but also enhance stability in the lower back, resulting in a lower risk of injury. As a bodyweight exercise, Dirty Dogs are ideal for a home workout.

Frog pumps

The jumping frogs are part of the training approach Animal Moves, where natural movements from the animal kingdom are utilized for fitness training. The specific lateral movement of the legs is reminiscent of jumping frogs. At the core of this training are the expansive gluteal muscles, the hamstring, and the back extensor.

Cable donkey kicks

The donkey kickbacks on the cable machine simultaneously engage various gluteal muscles. This exercise is gaining popularity because it not only triggers a training stimulus in the thigh muscles but also enhances the sense of balance in the body. Due to the need for a cable tower, donkey kicks are particularly suitable for experienced athletes in the gym.

Donkey Kicks / Kickbacks on the multi press

The donkey kicks on the leg press are suitable for athletes who benefit from the guide rail on the leg press and want to effectively strengthen the glutes, core, and thigh muscles. The execution is done from a quadruped position on a weight bench. However, improper execution poses a risk of injury, which is why advanced individuals should consider this exercise for glute training. Ideally, a training partner can lift the barbell from the guide rail.

Monster Walk

The monstrous walk exercise is popular among fitness enthusiasts who want to train their abductors, thighs, and the middle gluteal muscle. Athletes can choose between a lateral or forward movement. An additional training stimulus can be achieved by using a Theraband in the monstrous walk exercise.

Squats without weight / air squat

The air squats are also known as squats without resistance. Therefore, air squats are ideal for beginners who want to learn the movements of squats to effectively train the quadriceps, hamstrings, and large gluteal muscles. Since the exercise is performed without equipment, air squats can be done anywhere.

Zercher Squat

Zercher squats are a fitness exercise that is rarely found in the gym. The exercise is attributed to the powerlifter Ed Zercher, who had to modify many fitness exercises due to his low body weight. The execution fundamentally resembles front squats, but the grip varies in this squat variation.

Squats on the multi press

Before daring to attempt free squats with additional weight, squats on the multipress prove to be a sensible supplementary exercise. The guide rail in the multipress provides support during execution and enhances the sense of balance. Since almost every gym has a multipress available, it enables athletes to effectively train their thighs and buttocks.

Leg press with the multi press (vertical)

The leg press with the multipress (vertical) is particularly suitable for experienced athletes. The challenge is to release the barbell from its anchor to then move it up and down. This exercise carries an increased risk of injury. Through vertical pressing, an intense activation of the thigh muscles and, in particular, the large gluteal muscles can be achieved.

Squats with dumbbells

Squats with dumbbells are ideal for athletes who prefer a classic execution but desire more freedom of movement than the barbell variant. At the same time, holding the dumbbell occurs naturally. The use of two dumbbells on the sides allows for more flexibility to specifically strengthen the muscles of the thighs and buttocks.

Classic deadlift

Traditional deadlifting is a popular fitness exercise for training the legs and back. The focus is on the lower back and the four-headed thigh muscle. Athletes can simultaneously train the large gluteal muscle. Therefore, there is often disagreement about whether traditional deadlifting is more of a leg/glute exercise or considered a back exercise.

Cossack squats

Cossack squats are a popular fitness exercise for the leg muscles, offering various benefits to athletes. This gentle squat variation helps prevent injuries and improves body flexibility. Therefore, Cossack squats are particularly suitable for individuals who sit a lot. The main muscles targeted in this exercise are the quadriceps, hamstrings, and the large gluteal muscle.

Kettlebell deadlift

Kettlebell deadlifts represent a special variant of deadlifting that is particularly popular in CrossFit training. Primarily, the lower back is stressed, but the legs and large gluteal muscle also come into play. Among the more challenging deadlifting variations, kettlebell deadlifts are relatively straightforward, making them suitable for beginners.

Glute ham raises

Glute Ham Raises are a fitness exercise that targets the muscles at the back of the legs, the glutes, and even the lower muscles of the back. In only a few fitness studios, you can find a machine specifically designed for Glute Ham Raises. However, theoretically, it is possible to perform the exercise at home without equipment with a training partner. The name of the exercise comes from the so-called hamstring muscles, which include the muscles at the back of the thighs.

Straight deadlift

The extended deadlift is a variation of deadlifting and serves as an alternative to the classic deadlift. The legs are almost fully extended throughout the entire execution of the exercise. Due to this extended position, the focus is more on the lower back. Naturally, during the extended deadlift, the muscles of the legs and glutes are also stimulated.

Deadlift on the multi press

Deadlifting on the Multipress is a relatively straightforward variation of deadlifting, making it suitable for beginners. The guide rail supports the execution of this exercise. However, for those seeking more flexibility, this exercise may be less suitable.

Romanian deadlift

The Romanian deadlift is a special variation of deadlifting, primarily aimed at strengthening the back of the thighs. The lower back and the large gluteal muscle also benefit from this training. Ideally, athletes use a rack when performing the classic Romanian deadlift to grip the barbell with an overhand grip. This technique was introduced by a Romanian athlete in the USA and represents a different method.

Sumo deadlift

Sumo deadlifting is traditionally done with a barbell. A distinctive feature of this deadlift variation is the wide-spread legs, placing a stronger focus on the thighs and glutes. The correct leg positioning is crucial to avoid an incorrect training focus and minimize the risk of injuries.

Trap bar deadlift

Trap-Bar Deadlifts are a variation of deadlifting that combines elements of squats and deadlifting. Therefore, this exercise is particularly suitable for beginners, as the strain on the back is reduced, and the learning curve is manageable. With the Trap-Bar Deadlift, the main muscles targeted are the back extensors and the four-headed thigh muscle. The Trap-Bar, a special device shaped like a frame, sets this exercise apart from all other deadlifting variations.

Front squats / front squats

Front Squats represent the Frontkniebeuge, an exercise that is excellent for training the front thighs and the muscles in the buttocks. Through the execution of this exercise, athletes can generate an intense training stimulus despite using lighter weights. The Frontkniebeuge is considered a gentler alternative to conventional squats. The unusual grip and special arm positioning play a crucial role in achieving optimal execution.

Kettlebell squat

The Kettlebell Goblet Squat is a more challenging variation of squats. In this exercise, the classic target muscles such as quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, and large gluteal muscles are intensely engaged. Especially in the context of Crossfit, this exercise enjoys great popularity.

Squats / squats with the barbell

Traditional squats with the barbell are among the most valued fitness exercises for leg muscles. This exercise is also referred to as Barbell Squats or Back Squats. In principle, the exercise is suitable for athletes at any fitness level, although improper execution can lead to knee discomfort. With correct execution, however, an effective training stimulus for the hamstrings, quadriceps, and large gluteal muscles can be achieved.

Squat jump

The Squat Jump is a dynamic variation of the popular squats and is particularly popular in abdominal-leg-buttocks training. No specific equipment is needed for the standard Squat Jumps, allowing athletes to perform this exercise anywhere. The combination of jumping and squatting not only activates the typical target muscles but also improves jumping power.

Leg scissors

The Leg scissors is a well-known exercise for training the lower abdominal muscles, adductors, and abductors. In this exercise, lie on your back on the floor. Lift your legs almost completely straight into the air. Then, move your legs in a scissor-like motion from left to right. This creates a targeted muscle stimulus, especially in the lower part of the rectus abdominis and the adductors and abductors.

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