The 7 Best glute workout machines
If you’re anything like me, one of your 2025 goals is to grow your glutes as quickly as possible. To do this, you’re going to need to understand which glute workout machines to use.
If you’re new to the gym, this can be pretty tricky to figure out on your own. To save you the trouble, I’ve listed the best glute workout machines based on my experience. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty happy with the progress I’ve made over the past year, which indicates I’m doing the right thing. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about what really works, and I want to share these insights to help you get the best results faster.
So in no particular order, here are the 7 best glute workout machines.
1. The Barbell Hip Thrust/Hip Thrust Machine
The hip thrust machine was a game-changer for me in my glute growth journey and is definitely one of the best glute workout machines. If you use it 1–2 times a week, you’ll start seeing noticeable progress.
Hip thrusts are a compound exercise that primarily targets the gluteus maximus, the largest glute muscle. But they also work your quads and hamstrings, which is a huge bonus. Strengthening these muscles around your glutes helps provide extra support when you’re progressively overloading. This makes your glute training not only more effective but safer as well, reducing the risk of injury while allowing you to push yourself further.
2. The Leg Press Machine
The leg press machine is often underrated as a glute workout machine, likely because its name makes it seem like it primarily targets your quads and hamstrings. But with the right technique, the leg press can be super effective for growing your booty. It’s a convenient, no-nonsense way to activate your glutes because you don’t need any heavy barbells or complicated movements.
To make sure you’re hitting your glutes effectively, place your feet high and wide on the platform, instead of close and centered, which would target your quads more. When you push through your heels, you’ll feel a deep burn in your glutes – this is where the magic happens. By focusing on this form, you’ll activate the right muscles and maximise your glute growth.
3. The Squat Rack
Admittedly, the squat rack used to terrify me when I first started going to the gym. Every time I approached it, I’d feel an overwhelming sense of intimidation – its size alone was enough to make me hesitate, and the process of setting it up just seemed too complicated. More often than not, I’d wander up, take one look, and then walk away.
This is totally valid. However, familiarise yourself with it and it will soon become your booty-growing bestie. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can use it for exercises like RDLs (a must-have in your glute routine), squats, and a ton of other glute-building movements. Once you get comfortable with it, you’ll be amazed at how much it can do for your glute growth.
4. Cables (for Glute Step-Ups and Kickbacks)
So far, we’ve focused on compound exercises that target multiple muscles at once, but when it comes to isolating your glutes, cables are one of the best glute workout machines you can use. They allow you to focus specifically on your glutes, making it easier to target them and maximise your growth. One of my favourite cable exercises is glute kickbacks, which effectively work all three gluteal muscles – the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus.
If you’re aiming for that upper glute “shelf” (the gluteus medius), kickbacks on the cable machine are a must. They really help activate that part of the glute and can be a great finisher for your glute day.
Cables are also great for step-ups, which, when done with proper form, offer the highest glute activation of any exercise. (1) You can perform step-ups with dumbbells, but I find using cables really helps me maintain consistent tension throughout the movement, allowing for better muscle engagement.
5. The Smith Machine
Smith machine exercises for glutes can be incredibly effective, especially when you’re looking to add some variety to your routine. One of my favourite exercises to do on the Smith machine is Bulgarian split squats. The stability the machine provides makes a huge difference – it takes away the added stress of balancing and worrying about falling flat on your face while you focus on your form and the movement itself.
Admittedly, Bulgarian split squats feel like a mild form of torture. But unfortunately, despite the discomfort, they’re one of the best exercises for targeting your glutes, and for some reason, the Smith machine makes them a lot more bearable. With the added stability, you can push yourself harder and really feel the muscle engagement. In my opinion, Smith machine exercises for glutes are no-brainers if you want to see serious gains.
6. The Hip Abductor Machine
The hip abductor machine is controversial as some people have complained of it triggering sciatica, so I wouldn’t recommend it if this could be something you’re prone to. However, I have been using it for a year to grow my gluteus medius (the upper glute) and gluteus minimus (the side glute), and I’m pretty happy with the results. Use this in combination with compound glute exercises, and you have a solidly structured glute workout.
7. Dumbbells
So, dumbbells aren’t really a glute workout machine per se, but they are one of the best pieces of workout equipment for glutes. Versatile and pretty easy to use, dumbbells are a great option if you’re limited for equipment or someone’s on the machine you want. Hip thrust machine taken? Grab a couple of dumbbells. No squat racks available? You guessed it, dumbbells.
In fact, most of the best exercises for glutes can be done using dumbbells, so you can get a solid dumbbell-only glute workout in. This makes them extra useful if you’re new to the gym and feeling overwhelmed by the machines. Just grab a couple, find a quiet corner in the gym, and smash your workout.
Final Thoughts
Together, these glute workout machines can create a super effective workout. Try choosing 3–4 exercises per gym session, starting with compound glute exercises and ending with isolation movements. With this knowledge, the right nutrition, and consistency, your glutes are bound to grow.
Not sure what you need to be eating to grow your glutes? Check out my ultimate guide to building a glute growth diet plan.
Happy lifting!
Tori x
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