The Best Compound Glute Exercises for Strength, Shape, and Power

When it comes to building strong, shapely glutes, isolation exercises like glute kickbacks and donkey kicks often get a lot of attention. But if you truly want to maximize strength, muscle growth, and athletic performance, compound glute exercises are where the magic happens.

Compound movements recruit multiple muscle groups and joints in one motion, helping you lift heavier, burn more calories, and stimulate deep muscle fibers that isolation work alone can’t touch. For glute development, that means lifting in a way that not only fires up your glutes but also activates your hamstrings, quads, core, and lower back.

Let’s break down the best compound exercises for glutes and how to integrate them into your training.

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1. Barbell Hip Thrust

Often debated—is the hip thrust a compound or isolation exercise?—the answer lies in the context. When performed with a loaded barbell and proper form, hip thrusts become a highly effective compound lift for the glutes. They primarily target the gluteus maximus but also engage your hamstrings and core for stabilization.

Why it works: The horizontal load allows full glute contraction at peak extension, making it one of the most efficient glute compound exercises for building size and strength.

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2. Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

The RDL is one of the most underrated compound exercises for glutes and hamstrings. By focusing on a hip hinge pattern, the RDL shifts the emphasis onto the posterior chain—glutes, hamstrings, and lower back—while encouraging proper spinal alignment and core control.

Pro tip: Keep a slight bend in the knees and push your hips back as if closing a car door with your glutes. The stretch and tension this creates will fire up your glutes like few other lifts can.

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3. Bulgarian Split Squats

Bulgarian split squats are brutal—but in the best way. This single-leg compound movement lights up the glutes while also challenging balance and coordination.

Why it matters: By elevating the rear foot and sinking into a deep lunge, you force the lead leg (and glute) to do the majority of the work. It’s also an excellent way to correct muscle imbalances.

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4. Sumo Deadlift

Compared to conventional deadlifts, sumo deadlifts place a greater emphasis on the glutes and inner thighs. The wide stance and vertical torso angle shift the load to the hips, making it a staple compound lift for glute development.

Personal tip: I started incorporating sumo pulls into my routine after struggling with glute activation during traditional deadlifts. Within weeks, I noticed improved hip drive and a stronger lockout.

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5. Step-Ups with Load

Step-ups are often mistaken as a simple cardio move, but when weighted properly, they become a powerful compound workout for glutes. Driving through the heel of your lead foot activates the glutes, while your core and quads assist in stabilizing the lift.

Variation: Use a barbell or dumbbells, and make sure the platform is high enough that your thigh is at least parallel to the ground when stepping up.

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6. Walking Lunges

Walking lunges are a dynamic, functional compound movement for glutes that also improve hip mobility and unilateral strength. They’re especially effective when done slowly with deep, controlled steps that allow your glutes to lead the movement.

Bonus: They’re travel-friendly and require minimal equipment, making them perfect for home workouts or hotel gyms.

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7. Box Squats or Low-Bar Back Squats

Back squats are a classic compound lift—but to make them more glute-focused, adjust your stance and bar position. A wider stance and low-bar setup shift the emphasis away from the quads and onto the hips and glutes.

Quick form check: Sit back instead of down, and keep your knees tracking over your toes. Think about spreading the floor apart with your feet as you rise.

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How to Program Compound Glute Movements

For most lifters, 2–3 glute-dominant compound exercises per session, 2–3 times per week, is a great starting point. Mix hinge movements (like RDLs and hip thrusts) with squat-based patterns (like step-ups and lunges) for well-rounded development.

Sample weekly breakdown:

• Day 1: Hip Thrust, RDL, Walking Lunge

• Day 2: Bulgarian Split Squat, Sumo Deadlift, Step-Up

• Day 3 (Optional): Low-Bar Squat, Glute-Focused Lunge Variations, Core work

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Final Thoughts

If your goal is to lift heavier, move better, and build glutes that are both strong and functional, compound glute exercises are essential. They don’t just shape your body—they enhance your entire athletic potential.

I’ve worked with clients across all experience levels, and the ones who commit to mastering compound lifts see the biggest transformation—not just in how they look, but in how they perform. Start simple, lift smart, and let your glutes do the work.