The glute bridge with a barbell is an exercise that has gained widespread popularity over the past few years. This exercise is a kind of glute bridge, but is performed with a barbell and a body off the floor. It affects the gluteal muscles better than many other movements of the lower body. The femoral thruster is effective for improving hip extension by engaging the hamstrings and glutes. Your hips expand when they move from a bent position (where the hips are below or behind the shoulders and knees) to a fully straightened position where the hips, shoulders, and knees are in line.