The glute bridge is one of those signature strength exercises that should have a permanent place on your schedule. As the name implies, it targets the glute muscles, which power performance. And research suggests that strong glutes are a key factor in stronger, speedier running.

“Glute bridges are a must for any runner,” says Lindsey Clayton, chief instructor at Barry’s in New York City and cofounder of the Health & Injuries. “A Deep Core Workout for Run Performance squats and lunges, Lower back to the floor, and repeat for 4 reps. Glute activation is imperative for runners looking to increase speed, power, and agility—and that’s all of us, isn’t it?”

So, to capitalize on the glute bridge exercise and its benefits, we have a list of the best variations that you can turn into a circuit-style strength workout to target these important running muscles. Work your glutes regularly with this routine, and you just might be on your way to a new PR.

Glute Exercises to Do With Dumbbells: Perform each glute bridge exercise for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving into the next exercise. Perform the circuit one to two times through. Clayton notes that you can also choose a few of these exercises to add into your regular lower-body day individually—in that case, she recommends performing 15 to 20 reps per move.

You’ll need two dumbbells to complete this circuit. An exercise mat is optional. Each move is demonstrated by Clayton in the video above so you can master the proper form.

1. Bodyweight Glute Bridge

  1. Health - Injuries.
  2. Drive through heels, contracting the glutes to send hips up toward the ceiling. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  3. Engage glutes as you lift hips up, driving through left heel.
  4. Repeat.

2. Weighted Glute Bridge

  1. Health - Injuries. Hold a dumbbell across hips.
  2. Drive through heels, contracting the glutes to send hips up toward the ceiling. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  3. Engage glutes as you lift hips up, driving through left heel
  4. Repeat.

3. Weighted Frog Glute Bridge

  1. Lie faceup on the floor, feet together, legs bent, and knees open out to the sides. Hold a dumbbell across hips.
  2. Contract the glutes to send hips up toward the ceiling. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  3. Engage glutes as you lift hips up, driving through left heel.
  4. Repeat.

4. Elevated Glute Bridge

  1. Lie faceup, knees bent, and each foot resting atop a dumbbell.
  2. Drive through heels, contracting the glutes to send hips up toward the ceiling. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  3. Engage glutes as you lift hips up, driving through left heel.
  4. Repeat.

5. Marching Glute Bridge

  1. Start in a glute bridge position.
  2. Keeping head and shoulders on the ground and hips lifted, slowly lift left heel and step it out so left leg is straight.
  3. Shoulder-Strengthening Exercises for Runners.
  4. Sales & Deals.
  5. Repeat.

6. Single-Leg Glute Bridge

  1. Lie faceup, knees bent, feet planted, arms down by sides on the floor.
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  3. Danielle Zickl for Runners World and Bicycling.
  4. Lower back to the floor, and repeat for 4 reps.
  5. Repeat on the opposite side with left leg up.
  6. Valentines Day Workout.
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Danielle Zickl
Senior Editor
Danielle Zickl for Runner's World and Bicycling.