Bridge Pose

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Hip extension without spinal compression — the gentlest way to teach glutes to fire before you load them.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Mat · Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Gluteus Maximus · Glutes · Hamstrings
ALSO WORKS
Lower back · Abs
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-width and close to the hips.
  2. 02Press the feet down and lift the hips, driving through the heels.
  3. 03Squeeze the glutes at the top without flaring the ribs.
  4. 04Hold 20–30 seconds or perform slow reps.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Finish with the glutes, not by arching the lower back.
  2. 02Knees track forward — don't let them splay.
  3. 03Ribs down throughout.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Hyperextending the lumbar spine instead of extending the hip.
  2. 02Feet too far from the hips, making it a hamstring cramp.
  3. 03Pushing into the neck.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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