Dumbbell glute exercises are a very effective way to build a strong lower body and glutes. Here we provide a variety dumbbell exercises that can be used to build a dumbbell glute workout.
Adding dumbbells into your training if you’re looking to build strong glutes is a great way to ensure results. They will not only provide far more variations compared to bodyweight training but they will also create better results as the glutes will be presented with a greater stimulus in comparison to bodyweight training.
Mechanical tension is what drives hypertrophy (muscle growth), creating sufficient mechanical tension in the glutes without an external load can be very difficult. This makes bodyweight glute exercises far less effective at eliciting a hypertrophic effect. Thus making dumbbell glute exercise very effective as they can produce more mechanical tension and are far superior at overloading the glute muscles, having more of an impact on muscle growth.
Having strong glutes is very important when it comes to running speed, hip stability for injury mitigation and agility. All three of these elements add up to not only be important for everyday functions but also for athletic development, making glute work a key part of any strength and conditioning regime.
Let’s break down the different types of movements that can be used when using dumbbells to grow the glutes.
This is the most specific movement pattern that works the gluts and the most popularised, but that doesn’t mean that other movement patterns arn’t a key part of building strong glutes.
The hinge pattern is one of the three movement patterns that promote muscle growth and strength adaptations in the glutes.
Finally the squat, both bilateral and unilateral, movement pattern is very effective at building strong glutes.
The key aspect to building strong glutes is moving through these movement patterns consistently with good technique. Each movement pattern should be performed 6-12 sets throughout the week depending on the training age of the individual. These working sets should be challenging and close to failure (4-1 reps from failure). This will ensure great results and muscular growth of the glute muscles.
The glutes are a group of three muscles that are behind the pelvis. These consist of
This is the largest of the three muscles and it creates that shape of the glute muscle. The gluteus maximus lies on top of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus hence why it makes the shape of what we refer to as the glutes or buttocks. The gluteus maximus extends and externally rotates the hip joint.
The glute medius is underneath the gluteus maximus and helps to support the hip joint. It is often under utilised and worked on during rehabilitation programmes. Other than stabilizing the hip, it’s primary movement is hip adduction. It’s also very important in walking as it stabilizing you whilst you are stood on one leg.
The glute medius is underneath the glute medius and acts as a flexor, abductor and rotator. It also acts as a stabilizer of the hip.
Yes. They are a very effective tool for building the glutes.
It really depends on a number of factors. Your training age, your current strength levels etc.
Yes, dumbbell squats do build glutes, if done at the correct volume and intensity.
No they are not, the barbell hip thrust is probably the most effective glute exercise as it can be effectively loaded to create high levels of mechanical tension.
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