You can't open Spotify without hearing a song dedicated to having a nice…umm, gluteus maximus. However, the muscle group commonly known as the glutes are about much more than just making you look good in your jeans. The glutes propel us forward and keep us upright in our everyday life, and they provide much of our power in weightlifting, running, cycling, and jumping. Furthermore, your glutes are the guardians of your lower back. The stronger these muscles are, the less likely you are to join the multitudes with lower back issues.
Luckily, there are a plethora of glute machines on the market that can help us achieve a backside that just won't quit—moving us forward and saving our lower back. So, we've taken the time to research and round up some of the best glute machines available today.
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The Best Glute Machines - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Glute Machine: Titan Fitness Glute & Hamstring Developer
- Best Budget Glute Machine: Rogue 3x3 Echo GHD
- Best Gym Machine for Glutes: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
- Most Versatile Glute Machine: Force USA Glute Ham Raise Developer
- Best Glute Machine for Hamstrings: Rogue Floor Glute
- Best Glute Machine for Hip Thrusters: GMWD Glute Bridge Machine
Best Overall Glute Machine - Titan Fitness Glute & Hamstring Developer
SPECS
- Dimensions: 70" x 45.5" X 41"
- Features: Large, cushioned pads, stable base, wheels for moving
Titan has made a name for itself in the fitness equipment industry by manufacturing solid exercise machines at a more affordable price point. And, their glute and hamstring developer is no exception. Although, we wouldn't say that this is a budget piece of equipment, it is very well priced for what you get.
This sturdy glute machine allows you to do a wide variety of butt-centric exercises such as glute and hamstring raises, back and hip extensions, and inversions. And, the heavy-duty construction provides fantastic stability so that you don't have to worry about tipping over.
What We Like
- High weight capacity
- Wide base for stability
- Cushioned, comfortable pads
- Heavy-duty construction
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- Heavy piece of equipment
- Short warranty
BUY: Titan Fitness Glute & Hamstring Developer
Best Budget Glute Machine - Rogue 3x3 Echo GHD
SPECS
- Dimensions: 30" x 24" x 10"
- Features: Small footprint, non-slip “grabber" material
Rogue's ECHO GHD provides an effective glute and hamstring developer that is lighter and less expensive than more traditional GHDs—one of the best glute machines available. This machine simply straps to a standard plyo box (not included) which allows it to take up considerably less room than a traditional GHD. The foot rollers need to be secured to a rig or rack, preferably one that is bolted to the floor.
Although we wish that the standard equipment was a bit more stable, the add-on stabilizer kit is also affordable and definitely provides peace of mind when performing strenuous exercises. Rogue's Echo GHD provides ample glute exercises, takes up less space, and saves you some money, but be sure that you're able to properly secure it before you start going ham.
What We Like
- Affordability
- Easy adjustability
- Non-slip “gripper" material
- Small footprint
What We Don't Like
- GHD stabilizer kit not included
- Some instability
- Doesn't come with plyo box
BUY: Rogue 3x3 Echo GHD
Best Gym Machine for Glutes - NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
SPECS
- Dimensions: 68.25" x 28.75" x 68.5"
- Features: Interactive programming, digital display
If you're looking for a commercial level piece of equipment to work on your glutes, you'll definitely want to check out the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical. Ellipticals in general are great glute machines, but the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 has the added advantage of the iFitt app. This allows you to select a personal trainer and glute specific programming.
You'll experience 22 resistance levels that are auto adjusted throughout your workouts. The engaging programming will keep you coming back for more, and the low-impact nature of this machine will help protect you from injuries.
What We Like
- Fun and challenging interactive programming
- Large range of incline options
- Stability
What We Don't Like
- Not great for taller users
- Display could be bigger
- Hard to assemble
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
Most Versatile Glute Machine - Force USA Glute Ham Raise Developer
SPECS
- Dimensions: 42.5" x 70.5" x 41.5"
- Features: Commercial quality, high weight capacity
The Force USA GHD is versatile in both who can use it and the variety of exercises that can be performed on it. This glute machine can hold up to a whopping 1,300 pounds so there is no worry of anyone reaching the weight limit on it. This is because it is made with heavy-duty steel tubing that provides fantastic stability, allowing you to safely perform a multitude of exercises.
It has commercial in its name, and there is a reason for that. This machine can withstand use from several people on a daily basis. Furthermore, if there are a few people using it, they will love how easy it is to adjust to their heights.
What We Like
- Extremely sturdy construction
- Adjustable for large range of heights
- Transport wheels
- Band pegs for more depth
What We Don't Like
- Footboards could be more sturdy
- Expensive
BUY: Force USA Glute Ham Raise Developer
Best Glute Machine for Hamstrings - Rogue Floor Glute
SPECS
- Dimensions: 62" x 24" x 15-20" (varies)
- Features: Compact footprint, well-cushioned
The Rogue Floor Glute may be a little smaller than other glute machines, but it is an absolute tank. Weighing in at well over 100 pounds, this simple, but effective piece of equipment provides you with a safe, stable base to perform a variety of glute-focused exercises. Additionally, this machine's design is optimized for glute ham raises (a hamstring movement that concentrates on knee flexion) that may help reduce the chance of developing ACL injuries.
And when you’re finished pumping up your glutes and hammies, the attached wheels allow you to easily move it from place to place. One thing to note: It would be nice to be able to store this in an upright position, but the wheels don't make this possible. However, that is a minor issue for such an effective and well-constructed piece of equipment.
What We Like
- Wheels for easy transport
- Heavy-duty construction
- Smaller footprint
- May reduce the chance of ACL injuries
What We Don't Like
- Heavy for smaller piece of equipment
- Can't be stored upright
- Assembly directions are somewhat confusing
BUY: Rogue Floor Glute
GMWD Glute Bridge Machine
SPECS
- Dimensions: 70.9" x 61" x 32"
- Features: 90-day warranty, angled footboard and platform, nylon velcro seatbelt
Hip thrusts are an effective and simple way to train your glutes, hamstrings and other muscles, but training them without a machine can lead to injury. By providing safety measures such as the included belt, the GMWD Glute Bridge Machine allows you to safely and effectively perform hip thrusters.
Although the directions can be seen as confusing, once you have assembled this heavy duty glute machine, you can rest assured that you have a secure and stable piece of equipment. However, if anything were to break, you have a 90-day warranty.
What We Like
- Strong metal frame
- Supportive backrest
- Safety features
What We Don't Like
- Complaints of confusing instructions
- Takes a while to assemble
BUY: GMWD Glute Bridge Machine
What is Glute Equipment?
Glute equipment is considered any machine that targets your glutes (duh). The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscle groups, which are more commonly known as the glutes, are important to train because they propel you forward and keep you upright. When it comes to working out, your glutes provide power for most lifts, as well as jumping, running, and many other exercises. Additionally, the glutes help protect your lower back by providing a supportive base. Given how common lower back injuries are, using glute equipment to strengthen these muscles can be extremely beneficial.
Although you can certainly train your glutes to some degree using bodyweight exercises, machines such as GHDs, hip thrusters, ellipticals, stair climbers, reverse hypers, and donkey kickbacks will definitely help you obtain the results you desire. Glute equipment can make excellent additions to your home gym as you can often use them for a multitude of exercises and training regimens.
What to Look for in Glute Machines
Footprint
Many of the machines dedicated to shaping and strengthening your glutes can be large and heavy. This is beneficial for stability and handling a wide range of body sizes, but it does mean that you should make sure that you have the space to handle the glute machine that you want to bring home.
Further, many glute machines are made with heavy-duty materials. This makes these machines durable and allow them to provide a lot of stability, but it can also make them heavy. Therefore, glute machines may not be ideal for people in apartments or on flooring that may not be able to secure it.
Stability
Given that you may find yourself inverted on some glute machines, stability is something that you will want to pay close attention to when choosing a machine that will work for you. Additionally, many of the movements that you perform on many of the glute machines require a lot of momentum, and you definitely don't want to worry about your machine tipping over on you.
To help keep glute machines from wobbling, some of them provide weight pegs. This is a pro on two fronts. It provides storage for your weight plates and stability for your machine. However, if you become accustomed to the weight plates, you'll want to make sure that they are on the pegs before you start your training.
Comfortability
Glute machines often put you in unnatural positions when doing movements like hip thrusts or donkey kickbacks. Therefore, you will want to make sure that the machine you're using provides comfort with cushioned pads and split thigh pads.
Adjustability
Also, given that no two bodies are exactly alike, a machine that adjusts easily is an attribute that you'll want to make sure your glute machine offers. These adjustments will need to take both height and leg length into account.
FAQs About Glute Machines
What machine works glutes best?
There are many machines that help strengthen and tone your glutes. Some of the ones that you'll want to consider are GHDs, stair climbers, hip thrusters, ellipticals, stair climbers, vertical climbers, and hyper reverses.
What squat machine is best for glutes?
Using a squat machine allows you to add additional weight and they help keep your posture correct. Using exercise equipment such as Smith machines, leg presses, and hip abductors puts more concentration on your glutes.
Should I train glutes everyday?
Rest days are a vital part of your training routine—no matter what muscle group you are focusing on. Therefore, it is advisable to only train your glutes three-four times a week, while giving them a little time off in between sessions.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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