Hip Extension

Hip extension exercises are used frequently in areobics and toning classes. They work specifically on the buttock muscles as the knee is bent.

Teaching points

  • Position yourself on your hands and knees.
  • Lift one leg off the floor.  
  • Keep the knee bent as you extend the hip, so that the thigh moves up level with your back and the foot is above head level.  
  • Try to keep the back and pelvis level and still.  
  • Slowly return back to the starting position.  

Variations & progressions

  • Perform with the knee straight.  

Muscles worked

  • Gluteus Maximus.
  • Biceps Femoris.  
  • Semimembranosus.
  • Semitendinosus.  

Alternative exercises

  • Hip extension with a resistance band.  

Related injuries

  • Hamstring strains.  
  • Hamstring origin tendinitis.