In the Top Ten Glute Exercise Video Series Ian Lauer CSCS and IFBB Men’s Physique Pro and I presented ten exercises which we felt were the most effective for building and tightening up the glutes. Number ten on the list was the Bench Hip Raise, which I will describe here.

You will need a bench which is what your shoulders and head will rest on during the exercise. Your body will be perpendicular to the plane of the bench surface. Plant your feet on the floor about shoulder width apart and knees bent to 90 degrees so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Place a weight plate (I usually use a 45 pound plate but you should start with a lower weight until you feel comfortable with this move) on your thighs. This is your starting position.

Flex at the hips so that you sink down with your glutes almost touching the floor, then come back up while squeezing your glutes to return to the starting position.

Recommended rep range is 10 to 15 repetitions, 4 to 5 sets total.

Watch it on YouTube: