Is the Bret Contreras Glute Bench Actually Worth the Money?

I spent years chasing the ultimate glute pump using a standard utility bench that liked to slide across my garage floor every time I hit a heavy set. It is annoying, it is painful on the shoulder blades, and it makes you look like a frantic turtle trying to get into position. I finally decided to see if the bret contreras glute bench actually solves these problems or if it is just a pricey piece of foam with a famous name attached to it.

• Correct Height: Sits lower than standard benches for better mechanics.
• High-Density Foam: Does not bottom out even under 400+ lbs.
• Anti-Slip Base: Stays put on rubber flooring without being bolted down.
• Price Point: Significant markup for the branding compared to clones.

Why Your Regular Gym Bench Sucks for Hip Thrusts

Most benches are built for chest presses, not glute work. They usually sit 17 to 18 inches off the ground, which is way too high for most people to get a proper pivot point. When the bench is too high, you end up arching your lower back just to get the bar off the floor, which is a fast track to an injury.

If you are using a standard weight set and bench, you have probably noticed your shoulder blades digging into a sharp, hard edge. Standard benches also have a high center of gravity. When you lean back with 225 lbs on your hips, the front of the bench often tips up, forcing you to wedge it against a power rack or a wall just to stay safe.

What You Are Paying For With a Bret Contreras Glute Bench

The official bench is built with a specific height—usually around 12 inches. This lower profile is the sweet spot for maximum glute contraction. It allows you to keep your shins vertical at the top of the movement, which is the whole point of the exercise. The foam is the real standout here; it is dense enough to support heavy loading but has enough give that it does not feel like you are leaning against a 2x4.

You are also paying for the non-slip material on the bottom. In my testing, this thing did not budge on my 3/4-inch stall mats. It weighs enough to feel premium but is small enough to tuck under a dumbbell rack when you are done. The footprint is roughly 2 feet by 3 feet, making it much more manageable than a full-sized utility bench.

Testing the 'Booty by Bret Bench' Experience

I loaded up four plates on the bret contreras hip thrust bench to see if the experience matched the price tag. The first thing I noticed was the stability. On the booty by bret bench, I did not have to reset my feet every three reps because the bench stayed glued to the floor. The rounded edge also saved my mid-back from that bruised feeling I get with square-edged benches.

One downside I found is the lack of versatility. This is a specialized tool. You cannot comfortably do seated shoulder presses or incline work on this. My biggest mistake was trying to use it for step-ups; the foam is a bit too soft for standing stability, and I nearly rolled an ankle. It is a glute tool, period. If you have a small 8x8 space, you have to decide if a single-use item is worth the floor real estate.

Name-Brand vs. Budget: Are There Better Alternatives?

Let's be real: the official price tag is steep. You can get the same biomechanical advantage with the Gxmmat Hip Thrust Bench for a fraction of the cost. It offers a similar low-profile design and grippy feet that prevent sliding during heavy sets. It is a solid way to save about a hundred bucks while still getting your hips in the right position.

If you are tight on space, the Gxmmat Glute Bench is another viable option. These alternatives use the same high-density foam logic without the premium branding tax. The build quality on the name-brand version is slightly better—the stitching is cleaner and the vinyl feels thicker—but for a home gym, those are mostly aesthetic upgrades rather than performance ones.

Final Verdict: Should You Pay the 'Glute Guy' Tax?

If you are a competitive powerlifter or someone whose entire training split revolves around hip thrusting three times a week, the official bench is a luxury that pays off in comfort. However, for most home gym owners, a high-quality budget alternative does 95% of the work for half the price. It is hard to justify the extra spend when that money could go toward more plates or a better barbell.

If you are truly on a budget, you can skip the bench entirely. I have spent months using a barbell hip thrust no bench setup by doing floor bridges or using a stack of bumper plates. It is not as comfortable, but your glutes won't know the difference. Buy the bench if you want the convenience; skip it if you want the gains without the gear.

FAQ

Is the glute bench better than a couch?

Yes. A couch is too soft and lacks a stable pivot point. You will lose half your power just sinking into the cushions, and your spine will not be supported correctly.

Can I use this for bench presses?

No. It is way too low to the ground. Your elbows would hit the floor before the bar touched your chest. Keep your standard bench for pressing.

Does it slide on wood floors?

It can. While it is grippy on rubber, it will still move on polished wood or smooth concrete. Put it on a yoga mat or a piece of carpet if you do not have gym flooring.