The Man Who Invented the Hip Thrust on The Science of Glutes | Mind Pump 2947

Mind Pump Show
Mind Pump Show
3 Video Views·Sep 17, 2026

MAPS Abs and Butt: https://mapsabsandbutt.com
Code: LAUNCH for 40% off. Includes Butt Building Diet Guide, Women's Supplement Guide, at-home dumbbell version and a free second program at checkout (Muscle Mommy or Muscle Mommy 15).

Bret Contreras — the man who invented the barbell hip thrust — joins the guys to talk glute building, training longevity and why genetics matter more than most trainers will admit. They also get into his rotating periodization system, the new research on upper vs. lower glute targeting, and why hip thrust beats squats for most people. Plus Bret opens up about being single at 50 and what therapy taught him about relationships.

SPONSORS

Legion (supplements): https://buylegion.com/mindpump
Code: MINDPUMP — new customers buy one get one 50% off, returning customers get 20% cash back. Third-party tested, clinical doses.

GUEST LINKS

Bret Contreras: https://www.instagram.com/bretcontreras1
Booty by Bret: https://www.instagram.com/bootybybretofficial

LINKS

Mind Pump Store: https://mindpumpstore.com
Maps Fitness Products: https://mapsfitnessproducts.com
Instagram: @mindpumpmedia

0:00 - Can anyone build a great butt? Bret explains why genetics determine 60% of the outcome
5:58 - Sacral slope, intramuscular fat, insertion points and fat distribution — the real variables
8:09 - Why quad dominant people cannot feel squats in their glutes — and the isometric fix
11:52 - New research: isometric training at stretch produces the same hypertrophy as leg extensions
19;52 - How Bret applies isometric work with clients and why eccentrics don't fatigue the same way
29:26 - How important is getting stronger? The research on strength and hypertrophy has finally caught up
32:06 - Why Bret's San Diego squad got more injured than his Fort Lauderdale squad
37:32 - Training around pain instead of through it — the real key to longevity in the gym
46:51 - Squats vs. hip thrust — why hip thrust wins on frequency, not on muscle activation
51:12 - Bret's rotating periodization system — switching the focus lift every four weeks
56:32 - New research: you can target upper vs. lower glute max through movement selection
58:55 - The permanent glute specialization template — 36 sets per week for glutes in 3 days
1:16:28 - Dating as a trainer surrounded by bikini models — Bret opens up about being single at 50
1:24:57 - Therapy, Gottman, Arthur Brooks and why Bret thinks purpose is the real secret to happiness

📚 Free Mind Pump Guides:
Fat Loss Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/how-to-lose-fat?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

Hardgainer Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/hardgainer-guide?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

Squat Like a Pro: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/how-to-squat-like-a-pro?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

Flat Tummy Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/flat-tummy-guide?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

More at: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/free-resources?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

Take the guesswork out of your training and follow a proven program designed by Mind Pump.
https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/maps-fitness-products?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID

📱 Other Channels:
Mind Pump Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@MindPumpClips
Mind Pump TV: https://www.youtube.com/@MindPumpTV
Elite Trainer Academy: https://www.youtube.com/@EliteTrainerAcademy