Make this exercise more challenging by adding ankle ... You can use a machine called the hip abduction machine at your local gym or health club as an alternative to home exercises.

Use a pad or rolled up towel for cushioning if needed. Hip thrusts can also be done using a Smith machine, found in most gyms. Align the bar on top of your hips and perform the exercise as described.

To do this exercise: Stand with your feet about hip-width apart in front of a knee ... You can also use a Stairmaster or StepMill machine at the gym for a stair-climbing workout.