Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat vs Hip Thrust Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Hip Thrust Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Hip Thrust Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat vs Hip Thrust Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,049 sessions compared to 4,197 for Hip Thrust Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Hip Thrust Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Hip Thrust Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat | Hip Thrust Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,049 sessions | 4,197 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
- 5. After completing all repetitions, proceed with the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please don't stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat exercise guide.
How to Do Hip Thrust Machine
Hip Thrust Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise your pelvis until your knees are vertical and your body is horizontal to the ground.
- 2. Return to the starting position while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your knees touch.
- 2. Please be careful not to tilt your head back.
- 3. Please keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
For a full Hip Thrust Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Thrust Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat or Hip Thrust Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and Hip Thrust Machine need?
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat needs a dumbbell, and Hip Thrust Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Thrust Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat once your form holds up.
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