GLUTE TRAINING

Why operators can’t afford to ignore it

Glute training isn’t a trend anymore. It’s become an important (and expected) part of a modern strength-training offer

Glute training may have captured the public’s attention through social media, but its staying power has been driven by something far more substantial. As research continues to highlight the role of the gluteal muscles across elite performance, injury prevention and healthy ageing, exercises once associated primarily with physique development have become a cornerstone of mainstream strength training.

For gym, health club and leisure centre operators, that shift represents a significant commercial opportunity. Members are increasingly seeking facilities that enable effective lower-body strength training, while personal trainers, physiotherapists and exercise professionals are placing greater emphasis on the glutes as one of the body’s most important muscle groups.

The wider fitness industry reflects this change. According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) 2025 Worldwide Fitness Trends survey – based on responses from around 2,000 fitness professionals worldwide – traditional strength training ranks as the fifth biggest global fitness trend, highlighting the growing demand for resistance training across all demographics.

MORE THAN AESTHETICS

Although the pursuit of stronger, more defined glutes continues to drive participation – particularly among younger gym users – the conversation has evolved considerably. The gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus, medius and minimus) are fundamental to almost every lower-body movement. They generate power when walking, running and climbing stairs, stabilise the pelvis, support the lower back and help control movement through the hips and knees.

As a result, strengthening the glutes has become central to improving athletic performance, reducing injury risk and maintaining mobility throughout life. That aligns closely with broader health trends. ACSM notes that traditional strength training is now recognised as a key contributor to maintaining bone density, metabolic health, balance and functional independence as people age.

Yet, despite those benefits, fewer than 30% of adults meet recommended muscle-strengthening guidelines, suggesting there remains considerable opportunity for operators to engage new participants.

It’s easy to see why glute training has the potential to become part of mainstream preventative health.

THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THE EXERCISES The growing popularity of glute-focused training is supported by an expanding body of research. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Physiology analysed 12 studies examining gluteus maximus hypertrophy following resistance training. The researchers concluded that resistance training produces moderate improvements in glute development and identified several exercises that consistently deliver positive results.

Where muscle growth is the primary objective, the review recommends prioritising the barbell hip thrust, while also highlighting back squats, leg press, kneeling hip extensions and programmes combining multiple hip-extension exercises as highly effective approaches.

Importantly, the fi ndings reinforce that there is no single “magic” exercise. Instead, combining compound movements with targeted glute isolation exercises is likely to produce the best outcomes.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OPERATORS As member expectations evolve, operators should consider whether their strength-training offer adequately reflects current demand. Many premium clubs have responded by creating dedicated lower-body or “glute zones”, grouping together equipment that allows members to train the posterior chain efficiently in one area. Besides creating a more appealing training environment, dedicated zones also help improve gym-floor flow by reducing competition for benches and barbells.

Purpose-built hip thrust or glute drive machines are increasingly becoming centrepieces of these spaces. Unlike traditional barbell hip thrusts, which can occupy a bench, Olympic bar and multiple weight plates, dedicated machines require minimal set-up, are more approachable for beginners and increase equipment throughput during busy periods.

PURPOSE-BUILT HIP THRUST OR GLUTE DRIVE MACHINES ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING GYM FLOOR CENTREPIECES

Alongside specialist glute equipment, operators are increasingly investing in: cable functional trainers Smith machines adjustable benches belt squat machines hack squat machines pendulum squat machines reverse hyperextension benches 45-degree back extension benches standing hip abduction machines

Resistance bands, kettlebells and dumbbells also provide cost-effective options for expanding glute-focused programming without major capital expenditure.

Programming, however, can matter too – as installing new equipment alone might not maximise return on investment. A growing number of operators are supporting glute zones with targeted programming, including glute-focused strength classes, small-group training, introductory workshops and personal training packages centred on lower-body strength and movement quality. This not only improves confidence among less experienced members but also encourages better utilisation of specialist equipment throughout the day.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

DHZ

DHZ’s dedicated glute machines across its Evost III, Fusion Pro, Booty and Titan Extreme ranges offer solutions for every facility and budget. Fully customisable, each machine combines advanced biomechanics with comfort to improve performance. Built for demanding commercial environments, DHZ helps operators deliver premium training experiences that keep members progressing and returning.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

GLUTEBUILDER

The Glutebuilder Selectorised Hip Thrust Elite delivers stable, controlled glute training with a setup that supports proper positioning and consistent performance. An oversized angled bench with integrated shoulder pads provides secure back support, while an angled footplate encourages optimal hip mechanics and glute activation. Adjustable bench height accommodates a wide range of exercisers, allowing for proper positioning and customised range of motion.

Developed in partnership with Glutebuilder and exclusively available from Precor, the Glutebuilder Selectorised line delivers targeted glute, leg and hip training equipment in a space efficient design. The precision biomechanics guide exercisers through a controlled, consistent motion path designed to maximise muscle engagement and support proper joint alignment. The multiple adjustment points and integrated weight stack allow exercisers to personalise fit and resistance, creating an approachable experience focused on lower body training.

THE QUESTION IS NO LONGER WHETHER TO CATER FOR GLUTE-FOCUSED TRAINING, BUT HOW WELL TO DO IT

Effective glute exercises

Whether using free weights or machines, several exercises consistently feature in both research and coaching practice: Barbell or machine hip thrusts Romanian deadlifts Back squats Bulgarian split squats Walking lunges Step-ups Cable kickbacks Glute bridges Leg press Kettlebell swings Collectively, these movements train the glutes through hip extension, stabilisation and abduction, helping develop strength, power and muscle growth while supporting functional movement.

NO LONGER A TREND

Perhaps the clearest indication that glute training is here to stay is that its appeal now extends far beyond aesthetics. The continued shift towards strength training and the growing focus on preventative health and longevity means that members are increasingly expecting facilities to provide opportunities to develop lower-body strength – and strength training in general – safely and effectively.

For operators, the question is no longer whether to cater for glute-focused training, but how well they do it. As strength training continues to move to the heart of preventative health, the facilities that combine evidence-based programming with well-designed strength spaces will be best placed to attract—and retain—a new generation of members who increasingly view powerful glutes not simply as a cosmetic goal, but as a foundation for lifelong health and physical capability.

BOOTY BUILDER

Few brands have shaped a category in the way Booty Builder has. Long before dedicated glute training areas became commonplace, the company helped establish the concept of the “glute zone”, transforming glute-focused training from a niche offering into a must-have feature in commercial gyms worldwide.

At the heart of its success are the first commercial original hip thrust machines – the Booty Builder Platinum V4 and Booty Builder V8 machine. By removing the need for cumbersome barbells and plates, it streamlined one of the most effective glute exercises, improving accessibility, reducing setup time and helping operators increase equipment utilisation across a wider range of members.

Today, Booty Builder has evolved into a global brand with millions of followers across its social media channels, building a passionate community around glute training while helping to drive one of the fitness industry’s fastest-growing equipment categories.

Recent product development has focused on selectorised equipment, enabling operators to bring glute-specific training to a broader demographic by reducing the perceived technical barriers associated with free-weight exercises.

The portfolio now enables operators to create complete glute-focused training zones, with more than 20 different pin and plate loaded machines including, the Core Hip Thrust Range, Standing Hip Thrust and Lower Body & Glute Development, as well as several selectorised machines.

Beyond equipment, Booty Builder supports operators with facility planning, branding, programming, trainer education, marketing assets and social media expertise. This approach enables clubs to create distinctive training spaces that improve member engagement while capitalising on the sustained growth in demand for glute-focused training.