Move of the Month: Glute Press

samantha155
2 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Three ways to build powerful, functional glutes —

Mat · Reformer · Cadillac

This month we’re diving into a functional hip-strengthening pattern in the Pilates for Rehabilitation repertoire: the Glute Press. I’m especially excited to feature this exercise because all three variations appear in my newly released book, Pilates for Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition — which includes updated research, new chapters, and more than 100 additional exercises.

🎥 WATCH THE VIDEO

Ready to learn the Glute Press variations right away? Click below to see all three versions — Mat, Reformer, and Cadillac — with step-by-step cues, technique tips, and clinical reasoning.

👉 [CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO DEMONSTRATION]

(Then continue reading for the complete breakdown of the why, how, and clinical considerations behind each variation.)

Why the Glute Press Matters

As a physiotherapist, I love the Glute Press because it trains functional glute strength — the kind that supports hip extension, pelvic stability, gait mechanics, athletic power, and everyday movement.

Across all three variations, you’ll challenge:

Gluteus maximus (power and propulsion)
Gluteus medius (lateral hip stability)
Core stabilizers (lumbo-pelvic control)
Scapular stabilizers

What I love most? These variations allow you to scale from foundational activation on the mat… to powerful closed-chain loading on the Reformer… to resisted hip extension on the Cadillac.

Let’s break down the three variations, exactly as they appear in the 2nd edition of Pilates for Rehabilitation.

✨ Three Glute Press Variations from Pilates for Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition

1. Mat Variation — Hip Extension Bent Knee

A foundational glute-strengthening drill that also challenges deep core and shoulder stability.

Primary Focus:

Hip extensor strength
Lumbo-pelvic stabilization
Scapular stabilization
Core co-contraction
Lateral hip stability of the supporting leg

Why It’s Effective:The bent knee minimizes hamstring dominance and helps isolate the gluteus maximus.

Technique Tips:

If there is pain in the knee of the stabilizing leg, place a pad under the shin so there is no load on the patella
Keep pelvis centered over the supporting knee
Maintain neutral spine
Relax neck and shoulders
Lift from the glute, not the low back

2. Cadillac Variation — Donkey Kick with Push-Through Bar

Resisted hip extension that builds power and stability simultaneously.

Primary Focus:

Gluteus maximus
Lateral hip stability
Lumbo-pelvic control
Core control under load
Scapular stabilization

Precautions:

Avoid with spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis
Place padding under the knee if needed

Technique Tips:

Maintain a neutral spine and avoid overarching the lumbar spine as the leg lifts
Keep the pelvis level — avoid rotating or dropping the stance-side hip
Press evenly through the elbows to stabilize the trunk
Lift the leg only to the height where the glute can stay fully engaged without lumbar extension
Keep the shoulders pulled down away from the ears

3. Reformer Variation — Glute Press

A powerful, functional variation ideal for athletes and active clients.

Primary Focus:

Gluteus maximus power
Hip + knee extension
Lateral hip stability
Core control under load

Why It’s Effective: Similar to Scooter, but the squat position of the standing leg makes it significantly more glute-dominant — ideal for return-to-sport and functional strengthening.

Technique Tips: