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If you’re wondering what machines work your glutes most effectively, here’s a quick roundup of the top eight glute machines to build strength, improve shape, increase tone, and activate the full glute muscle group functionally:
Spending more than six hours a day sitting shuts your glutes down.
It’s called “gluteal amnesia,” and it means your glute muscles forget how to fire properly, even when you’re trying to work them out.
The good news? You can reconnect, retrain, and rebuild your glutes with the right tools.
In this guide, we’ve ranked the top glute exercise machines that actually target and wake up your glute muscles, based on muscle activation, safety, and versatility.
Use this table to compare top-rated glute exercise machines by effectiveness (based on EMG data), space required, price, and suitability for home or gym use.
|
Machine |
Space required (Size) |
Secondary muscles activation |
Average Price $ |
Best For |
|
Hip Thrust Machine |
Medium |
Hamstrings, Low Back, and Core |
700-1500 |
Glute strength, peak contraction |
|
Glute Kickback |
Large |
Hamstrings, Calves, and Lower Back |
700-2000 |
Isolation, symmetry |
|
Reverse Hyper (Reverse Glute Ham Machine) |
Medium |
Hamstrings, Spinal Erectors |
700-2000 |
Rehab, posterior muscle chain |
|
Smith Machine |
Large |
Quads, Core |
900-2200 |
Squats with glute emphasis and hip thrusts |
|
Cable Tower |
Compact |
Core, Hamstrings |
300-1500 |
Angle variety, single-leg focus |
|
Stair Climber |
Medium |
Quads, Calves |
1000-3000 |
Cardio with glute tension |
|
Rowing Ergometer |
Medium |
Hamstrings, Core, Upper Back |
500-1500 |
Conditioning with the glute benefits |
|
WBV Plate |
Compact |
Spinal Stabilizers, Core, Calves |
1400-4000 |
Whole-body muscle activation |
muscle structure of glutes
Whole‑Body Vibration Plates are an effective way to enhance glute activation through increased muscle fiber recruitment and engagement of hip stabilizer muscles.
The vibration stimulates deeper layers of the glutes, especially the gluteus medius and minimus, by forcing your body to stabilize during movements like squats, glute bridges, or standing holds.
woman stands on a hypervibe vibration machine
When used during bodyweight or resistance-based glute exercises, WBV creates an added neuromuscular challenge as you increase load, making it ideal for improving glute strength, endurance, and muscle tone.
It’s especially useful for those looking to maximize muscle engagement with minimal joint stress.
Hip thrust machines consistently top the charts in glute activation.
They’re designed to load the glutes at the most effective range, full hip extension, while keeping your back supported and movement clean.
The horizontal setup also makes it easy to progress from bands to plates to heavy barbell loads without compromising form.
Man using a hip thrust machine
For anyone training for size, power, or glute-specific strength, this machine deserves a permanent spot in the rotation.
Even beginners benefit from the setup since it locks them into proper form and range from the start.
Kickback machines and cable towers give you something most compound lifts don’t: total glute isolation.
When done properly, they allow you to target one glute at a time through a controlled hip extension.
Woman working out on a glute kickback
The cables add more versatility, letting you work at different angles, ranges, and resistance curves.
This setup is ideal if you’re working around an injury or simply want to fix asymmetry. It also allows you to feel your glutes working in real time.
Originally built for spinal decompression, the reverse hyper is now a go-to for lifters and athletes who need stronger glutes without stressing the lower back.
The swinging motion dynamically loads the posterior chain—glutes, hamstrings, and spinal erectors—while also opening up the spine.
young woman on a reverse glute machine
For home users, the compact versions combine isometric holds with range-of-motion glute work.
It’s excellent for injury prevention, posture, and long-term posterior chain health.
The Smith Machine gets flak for being too restrictive, but it is good when used with glute-friendly foot placement when squatting.
Getting into a wider stance, feet forward, and a slight torso lean all help shift tension from the quads to the glutes.
woman doing squats on a smith machine
Because the path is fixed, it allows beginners to focus on depth and activation without losing balance.
Add a resistance band just above the knees and push the knees apart to increase glute medius involvement.
These are classic cardio machines, but they can become great tools for glute muscle activation when used correctly.
The key is in the motion: repeated, loaded hip extension as you step.
woman works out on a stair climber
Go slow, take long steps, and avoid using the rails.
That’s how the glute muscles are activated.
Rowing machines build full-body endurance, but the hip hinge drive at the start of each stroke also works the glutes.
While it’s not a dedicated glute machine, it’s an efficient tool in conditioning circuits that also keeps your backside engaged.
physically fit man works out on a rowing machine
Your form matters here; don’t rely on your arms.
Push with your legs and finish with your hips.
Then, follow through by pulling your shoulder blades together and arms back.
Infographic listing top glute machines for home workouts with illustrations
A foldable reverse hyper machine that lets you hit glutes, hamstrings, and low back without needing a full rack or gym.
Ideal for apartment setups or garage gyms, and safer than heavy barbell hinge lifts.
Purpose-built for home hip thrusts.
It’s compact, padded, and includes band pegs, making it beginner-friendly and highly effective.
If your goal is glute growth and you’ve got limited space, this bench gets the job done.
Ultra-lightweight and brutally effective.
Whether used during warmups, glute activation circuits, or burnout sets, a good hip circle band keeps the glutes fired up.
woman training on a yoga mat with a resistance band
It’s also the cheapest tool on this list by far—and one of the most effective.
This whole-body vibration platform enhances glute engagement during squats, lunges, and bridges by increasing muscle recruitment.
With adjustable settings and guided programs, the G14 is ideal for boosting glute activation, improving circulation, and supporting performance and recovery—all in one sleek, compact unit.
Great for all fitness levels, especially if you’re looking to maximize results in less time.
Based on EMG studies and strength coach testing, these three machines come out on top:
Hip thrusts produce the highest glute activation, reverse hypers build the entire posterior chain, and Smith squats deliver consistent results with added stability.
These machines are not only ideal for commercial gyms but also rank among the best glute machines for home when space allows.
They support progressive overload, safe mechanics, and full-range glute activation.
Sample Glute Training Programs
Looking to build stronger, rounder glutes? Below are two glute-focused workout routines that combine machines and free weights, designed for different fitness levels.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
The best machines are those that emphasize hip extension.
These include hip thrust machines, reverse hypers, cable kickbacks, and properly set Smith Machine squats.
These gym machines for glutes are designed to optimize form, load, and muscle activation for both beginners and seasoned lifters.
Yes.
Compact machines like the Hyper-Pro, hip thrust benches, and resistance bands are more than enough with consistent training and progression.
Regardless of where you work out, there are three keys to training the glutes: consistency, progressive overload, and targeting all three glute muscles (maximus, medius, and minimus).
Stair climbers and incline treadmills rank highest.
Ellipticals with high resistance and rowing machines also engage the glutes effectively.
2 to 3 sessions per week.
This frequency allows enough volume and recovery to stimulate muscle growth without overtraining.
Include compound lifts, isolation work, and a bit of cardio in your routine for best results.
The best glute machines create meaningful tension at the right time and through the right range.
If you are working out at home, focus on compact equipment like the Hyper-Pro or a sturdy thrust bench.
Include the WBV Platform for added intensity without extra weight when you need extra activation and shorter workout routines.
Are you curious about how Vibration Training fits in? Try a Hypervibe Whole Body Vibration session.
It’s low-impact, easy on joints, and surprisingly effective at waking up sleepy glutes.
Explore our expert-curated Hypervibe Buyer’s Guide to learn what to look for in a vibration platform, how it works, and how to match the right model to your wellness goals.
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