All About The Glutes

The Glute Training Boom

Strength training has become one of the most dominant trends in the commercial fitness space, fueled in part by the rising popularity of glute-focused workouts. This movement has been further accelerated by women who are embracing strength training for a wide range of reasons—from aesthetics to performance to long-term health. While aesthetics may be one motivator, strong glutes also support posture, enhance athletic performance, and help prevent injury. As interest in glute training grows, fitness operators and trainers have an opportunity to offer specialized, effective equipment that meets the evolving expectations of today’s members—and keeps them coming back for more.

A 3D Approach to Glute Training

The glutes are a complex, three-dimensional muscle group consisting of the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus. While the gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and critical for hip extension, the medius and minimus play vital roles in stabilization, abduction, and rotation of the hip. Because of this layered complexity, effective glute training requires a purposeful approach that challenges these muscles through different planes of motion and ranges of movement.

The Glutebuilder Advantage

The Glutebuilder Plate Loaded line, exclusively available from Precor, was developed to meet this growing need with purpose-built products that prioritize quality of movement. Each machine is designed with precise adjustments , optimal resistance profiles, and thoughtful biomechanics to support exercisers of all sizes and ability levels. Whether someone is focused on aesthetic goals, improving athletic performance, or simply moving better, Glutebuilder equipment helps them achieve their goals with confidence.

Explore the Full Lineup: Nine Machines for Targeted Glute Development

The Glutebuilder Plate Loaded line includes nine distinct training pieces, each engineered to isolate and activate the glutes in unique ways. Here’s what makes them stand out from the pack:

• Hip Thrust Elite – The Hip Thrust is a true 3D movement—this unique piece of equipment uses a dual linear bearing system to support the natural arcing motion of the hip thrust, allowing for movement both vertically and horizontally to enable full hip flexion to extension.
• Deadlift Elite – The Deadlift Elite is a purpose-built training platform designed for deadlifts and split squats, targeting the entire lower body. It provides multiple grip positions with fixed handles, rotating handles and a bar attachment, and offers stability for single leg movements with adjustable roller pads.
• 3D Multi-Abductor - Unlike the standing models on the market, the 3D Multi-Abductor features a seated design (with multiple back angles) that provides a stable platform for focused muscular contraction. By reducing the need for balance, it minimizes fatigue in the gluteus medius and minimus and eliminates the quad strain commonly caused by standing squat abduction movements. Its multi-planar motion and optimized resistance profile support hip abduction, external rotation, and extension—closely replicating natural hip mechanics.
• Dual 45 Hip Extension – The Dual 45 Hip Extension is the industry’s first 45-degree plate-loaded hip extension machine, offering multiple foot plates for hamstring and glute extension training positions. Unlike most hip extension or hyperextension machines on the market, this design allows additional weight to be added to the movement, enabling continued development for advanced exercisers.
• Pendulum Kickback – The Pendulum Kickback replicates the popular cable kickback exercise in a more stable, effective way that isolates movement to the hip joint, allowing for more targeted and efficient glute development. The combination of a kneeling position along with multiple touchpoints (hands, chest, and knees), reduces the fatigue typically placed on the standing leg.
• Kneeling Glute Isolator – This easy to enter, vertically oriented hip thrust machine offers a unique variation to the popular hip thrust exercise. It offers an extensive range of motion – from a deep pre-stretch with over 90 degrees of hip flexion to an exerciser-defined full extension. This is an excellent complement or alternative to traditional supine hip thrust machines, and offers a lower barrier to entry for less mobile exercisers.
• Glute Squat – This versatile machine features a light starting load, multiple platform angles to support users with limited calf flexibility, and adjustable shoulder positions to accommodate squats, front squats, and step-ups—all in one unit.
• Glute Press – The Glute Press includes an angled backrest and a unique downward-curved path of motion that accommodate both glute-dominant and quad-dominant training patterns.
• Glute Lunge – This 4-in-1 lifting platform offers the option to link weight arms or perform single-side loading, provides secure foot and calf positioning for added stability, and features a design that accommodates a complete range of motion.

For The Operator

Creating a dedicated, thoughtful glute training environment is a strategic way to meet rising demand and deliver results that keep members coming back for more. To help you build a Glute Zone that aligns with your footprint and your members’ goals, explore the Glute Zone Guide or visit Precor.com/strength/glutebuilder for more information.