PEAK PERFORMANCEMonths to result

Glute Development Framework

Grow Your Glutes

Problem it solves

Suboptimal health habits undermine energy, performance, and longevity; this framework provides specific evidence-based practices to build a sustainable physical and mental health foundation.

Best for

Individuals looking to improve their glute development

Not ideal for

Those with certain medical conditions or injuries that may be exacerbated by glute training

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Glute Development Framework is a structured approach to achieving optimal glute development. It involves a combination of vertical movements, hip thrusts, and abduction exercises to target the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles. The framework also emphasizes the importance of proper form, progressive overload, and recovery.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Vertical movements such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts are essential for glute development.
  2. Hip thrusts are a critical exercise for targeting the gluteus maximus muscle.
  3. Abduction exercises such as leg press and seated hip abduction are necessary for targeting the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Assess Your Current Glute Development
    Take progress pictures and measurements to track your glute development. Identify areas for improvement and set realistic goals.
    Pro tipUse a glute development assessment tool to help identify areas for improvement.
    WarningBe patient and consistent with your training, as glute development takes time.
  2. Create a Training Program
    Develop a training program that includes a combination of vertical movements, hip thrusts, and abduction exercises. Aim to train your glutes 2-3 times per week.
    Pro tipIncorporate variety in your training program to avoid plateaus and prevent overuse injuries.
    WarningAvoid overtraining, as this can lead to injury or burnout.
  3. Focus on Progressive Overload
    Gradually increase the weight or resistance you are using over time to challenge your glutes and promote growth.
    Pro tipUse a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and complete the desired number of reps.
    WarningAvoid sacrificing form for heavier weights, as this can lead to injury.
  4. Incorporate Recovery Techniques
    Incorporate recovery techniques such as foam rolling, stretching, and self-myofascial release to help your glutes recover from training.
    Pro tipUse a recovery tool such as a foam roller or lacrosse ball to help reduce muscle soreness.
    WarningAvoid overdoing recovery techniques, as this can lead to decreased muscle growth.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Case Study 1

A 25-year-old female client wanted to improve her glute development. She started training her glutes 2 times per week using a combination of squats, lunges, and hip thrusts. After 6 months, she saw significant improvements in her glute development and was able to increase her squat by 50 pounds.

OutcomeThe client was able to achieve her goal of improving her glute development and saw significant improvements in her overall lower body strength.
Case Study 2

A 30-year-old male client wanted to improve his glute development. He started training his glutes 3 times per week using a combination of deadlifts, hip thrusts, and abduction exercises. After 3 months, he saw significant improvements in his glute development and was able to increase his deadlift by 100 pounds.

OutcomeThe client was able to achieve his goal of improving his glute development and saw significant improvements in his overall lower body strength.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Insufficient Training Volume
Not training your glutes enough can lead to insufficient growth and development.
Poor Form
Using poor form when training your glutes can lead to injury or ineffective training.
Inconsistent Training
Inconsistent training can lead to plateaus and decreased muscle growth.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

Dr. Bret Contreras developed the Glute Development Framework based on his experience as a strength coach and his research on glute training. He has worked with numerous clients and has seen significant improvements in their glute development using this framework.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
Build Your Ideal Physique | Dr. Bret Contreras
Andrew Huberman · 2025
Open source →