The Barbell Hip Thrust is a premier glute building movement. You can start with bodyweight, move to dumbbells and then to a barbell. The Barbell Hip Thrust is a relatively safe exercise that builds glute and leg strength. This is a great exercise to learn how to move heavier weight. Tips: push through the heels, do not arch the back, feel the exercise in the glutes not the hamstrings or the quadriceps.