Resistance Band Glute Exercises
Reviewed and Edited By:
Christopher Geliga, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer

Resistance band glute exercises are an effective and accessible way to target and strengthen the glute muscles. These exercises utilize the tension of the bands to engage the glutes, helping improve lower body stability, strength, and muscle tone. Resistance bands are ideal for all fitness levels and can be used virtually anywhere.
Ready to build stronger, more defined glutes? Keep reading to find the best resistance band exercises to activate and grow your glute muscles.
What Are the Best Resistance Band Exercises for Glutes?
Resistance bands provide a unique way to activate and strengthen the glute muscles by adding resistance through various ranges of motion. Here are some of the best resistance band exercises to target the glutes:
Banded Glute Bridge
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings, Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Single-leg Banded Glute Bridge
Banded Hip Thrust
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings, Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: Bench or elevated surface
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Single-leg Banded Hip Thrust
Banded Squat
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Knee strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Compound
- Progression/Variations: Sumo Squat with Band
Banded Lateral Walk
- Also Known As: Banded Monster Walk
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Hip Abductors
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Hip strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Increase band tension or distance
Banded Fire Hydrant
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Hip strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Add a kick-out for extra tension
Banded Kickback
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Perform standing or on all fours
Banded Clamshell
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Hip Abductors
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Hip strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Increase band tension or add pulses
Banded Standing Abduction
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Hip Abductors
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Hip strain
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Perform seated or standing
Banded Glute Bridge with Abduction
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings, Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Single-leg version or add pulses
Banded Sumo Squat
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus, Inner Thighs
- Secondary Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Knee strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Compound
- Progression/Variations: Add pulses at the bottom
Banded Glute Bridge March
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings, Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Increase tempo or add a hold
Banded Donkey Kick
- Also Known As: Banded Quadruped Hip Extension
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Core, Hamstrings
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Add pulses or hold at the top
Banded Frog Pump
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Inner Thighs
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Increase reps or add pulses
Banded Side-Lying Leg Lift
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Medius
- Secondary Muscles: Hip Abductors
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Hip strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Add pulses or hold at the top
Banded Bridge Pulse
- Primary Muscle: Gluteus Maximus
- Secondary Muscles: Hamstrings, Core
- Additional Equipment Needed: None
- Injuries to Watch For: Lower back strain
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Compound or Isolation Movement: Isolation
- Progression/Variations: Add resistance or increase pulse count
These resistance band exercises are effective for isolating the glutes and adding variety to your lower body workouts. Incorporate them regularly to build strength, stability, and glute definition.
How to Perform Resistance Band Glute Exercises Safely
Using proper form and technique with resistance bands is essential for maximizing glute activation and preventing injury. Follow these safety tips to get the most out of your resistance band glute exercises:
Choose the Right Band Tension
Start with a band that offers moderate resistance, allowing you to perform exercises with control while feeling the glute engagement.
Position the Band Correctly
Place the band above your knees or ankles, depending on the exercise. Proper placement ensures effective muscle activation and reduces the risk of rolling or snapping.
Inspect the Bands for Small Rips or Tears
Check your bands to make sure that they are free from rips and tears, as these can lead to the bands snapping in the middle of your workout.
Engage Your Core
Maintaining a tight core throughout each movement helps stabilize the lower body and prevents strain on the lower back.
Control Your Movements
Avoid rushing through exercises. Slow, controlled movements allow you to feel the tension in your glutes and prevent strain.
Avoid Overextending
Keep movements within a safe range of motion to maintain control and reduce joint stress, especially for exercises like kickbacks and lateral walks.
By following these safety guidelines, you can perform resistance band glute exercises effectively and safely, reducing the risk of injury while focusing on glute activation and strength.
Sample Glute Workout Routine with Resistance Bands
A structured resistance band workout routine for the glutes helps to build strength, improve muscle tone, and enhance lower body stability. This sample routine targets the glutes from various angles for balanced development:
- Banded Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
Start with this foundational exercise to activate the glutes and warm up the hip muscles. - Lateral Band Walks: 3 sets of 12-15 steps per side
Engage the glutes and hip abductors by stepping side-to-side, maintaining tension on the band. - Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side
This movement isolates the gluteus medius, focusing on hip stability and balance. - Banded Squat: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Add resistance to squats with a band around your thighs to increase glute engagement. - Kickbacks with Band: 3 sets of 15 reps per leg
Finish with kickbacks to target the gluteus maximus, enhancing muscle tone and strength.
This resistance band glute workout provides an effective routine for building glute strength and tone. Adjust reps and band tension as needed based on your fitness level for optimal results.
Other Glute Exercises by Equipment
While resistance bands are excellent for glute activation, incorporating different equipment can add variety and intensity to your glute workouts. Here are some alternative options for glute exercises with other equipment:
- Dumbbell Glute Exercises
Dumbbells add targeted resistance to glute exercises like glute bridges, by allowing for a more free range of motion to boost strength and definition in the glutes. - Barbell Glute Exercises
Barbell movements, such as hip thrusts and deadlifts, allow for heavier lifting, promoting greater muscle growth and lower body power. - Bodyweight Glute Exercises
Bodyweight exercises, like glute bridges and donkey kicks, are effective for glute activation and can be performed anywhere without equipment.
Incorporating these equipment-based exercises into your routine can help you achieve well-rounded glute development, avoid workout plateaus, and keep your training engaging and challenging.
Resistance Band Exercises for Other Muscle Groups
Resistance bands are versatile tools that can be used to strengthen various muscle groups beyond the glutes. Adding band exercises for different areas of the body can help build balanced strength and stability. Here are some effective resistance band exercises for other muscle groups:
- Resistance Band Shoulder Exercises
Band shoulder presses and lateral raises work the shoulders, improving upper body strength and mobility. - Resistance Band Chest Exercises
Resistance band chest presses and chest flyes activate the chest muscles, providing a controlled range of motion for building muscle. - Resistance Band Back Exercises
Band rows and pull-aparts target the back, helping to improve posture and develop upper body strength. - Resistance Band Arm Exercises
Bicep curls and tricep extensions with bands allow for effective arm isolation, promoting strength and muscle tone. - Resistance Band Core Exercises
Resistance band Russian twists and seated abductions engage the core, challenging stability and enhancing core strength. - Resistance Band Leg Exercises
Resistance bands add intensity to leg exercises like squats and leg presses, enhancing muscle activation in the quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Incorporating resistance band exercises for other muscle groups creates a well-rounded routine, helping you build balanced strength and functional fitness throughout the body.
Final Thoughts on Resistance Band Glute Exercises
Resistance band glute exercises are a convenient and cost-effective way to build glute strength, tone, and stability. With minimal equipment you can target the glutes from various angles, enhancing muscle activation and promoting balanced lower body development. Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help you achieve a strong, defined lower body while keeping workouts versatile and accessible.