If you’re on a mission to grow buns of steel, there’s one move you can’t skip: the hip thrust.
As a qualified personal trainer and IFBB bodybuilding pro, I have a serious focus on lower body training and I can confirm: nothing fires up your glutes quite like it.
But while your bum gets stronger, your hip bones might not agree. Anyone who’s tried going heavier on thrusts knows the pain – literally – of a barbell digging into your pelvis. Bruises, red marks, awkward fidgeting mid-set… It’s enough to make anyone give up.
That’s where a barbell pad comes in. From ultra-padded wraps to flatter foam options or even machines with built-in support, the right cushioning can take the sting out of heavy sets. Whether you’re training in the gym or glute-building from home, it’s the small upgrade that makes a big difference.
Why you need a barbell pad
Using a towel might be a quick fix, but a purpose-built barbell pad will provide better protection and stability. You want to be focused on the movement, not on the bruises that show up the next day.
A pad helps distribute the weight more evenly, so you can really drive through the hips without pain or distraction. It’s particularly useful when your training starts to get heavier — so around 80kg-plus. And while some hip thrust machines in gyms have built-in cushioning, most standard barbells don’t. Which is why a quality pad is a must.
What to look for in a barbell pad
Pads come in different forms and it all depends on preference. Look for dense foam that won’t squash flat under pressure, and make sure it’s long enough to cover your hips properly. A good pad should stay in place during sets, support the entire pelvic area, and be easy to clean.
Here are a few features worth checking for:
- Anti-slip material: To prevent the pad from shifting mid-set
- Central groove or contoured design: To sit snugly against your body
- Secure fastening: Velcro or snap-closure designs are more reliable than basic slip-on styles
- Durability: Thicker foam tends to last longer and offer better support over time
Different styles of barbell pads
There are a few pad types to choose from, depending on your preference and budget:
- Foam wrap pads: The classic cylindrical pad that slips over the bar. Lightweight and affordable, but can shift easily unless it has a strap.
- Contoured pads: Shaped to fit around the neck or hips more comfortably. A good option for those who want extra stability.
- Velcro-fastening pads: These wrap around and secure tightly in place, ideal for heavier lifting.
- Portable hip thrust pads: Larger, flatter pads designed specifically for thrusts. These are often used independently of the bar and some have handles for positioning.
Should you get a pad even if your gym has hip thrust machines?
Even if your gym has the latest equipment, having your own pad gives you more flexibility. Some machines are always in use, or they don’t feel quite right. So having your own barbell pad means you’re never limited by the equipment.
Whether you're lifting in a home gym, a commercial space, or improvising with a Smith machine, a quality barbell pad makes hip thrusts safer and more comfortable. And that means better, stronger glutes in the long run.
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Amonax Hip Thrust Barbell Pad
The extra-thick foam padding evenly distributes the weight, meaning I can go heavier without that uncomfortable digging feeling. The velcro straps keep it secure, so I’m not constantly adjusting mid-set, which lets me focus entirely on the lift.
I love how durable it feels – the dense foam holds its shape even after repeated heavy sessions, and the leather finish gives it a more premium look. It’s lightweight but sturdy, making it easy to carry to the gym without feeling bulky.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Beast Gear Barbell Pad
This distributes the weight evenly across your hips and shoulders, which takes pressure off your spine and pelvis. I’ve used it for squats and lunges too, and it holds up well no matter how much weight I’m shifting.
The foam doesn’t flatten or collapse after a few sessions like cheaper ones do. The wipe-clean nylon is a bonus, especially if you’re sweaty mid-leg day.
At 40cm, it fits snugly in a gym bag, and works with both Olympic and standard bars.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Gymshark Barbell Pad
Trusted by athletes for a reason, this black pad makes squats, hip thrusts and lunges way more comfortable without slipping or looking bulky.
It’s firm enough to protect your hips and shoulders, but soft enough to ditch the towel trick. The grippy outer stops it sliding mid-set, and it fits snugly on any standard barbell, so you can just clip it on and get lifting.
Buy now £20.00, Gymshark
Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad
Designed with dense, high-quality foam, this Grimreapers pad cushions heavy lifts without losing shape, so you get long-lasting use.
Unlike flimsy pads that slip and slide, this one has a textured, anti-slip finish that stays in place while you move. It’s easy to slide on, fits most standard barbells, and even comes with optional straps and a branded carry case, which is ideal if you're constantly in and out of the gym.
Buy now £33.54, Amazon
Myprotein Barbell Pad
As well as an extensive supplement range, Myprotein has a decent selection of gym equipment and clothing to support gym workouts.
Made with a PU outer and cushioned foam inside, this pad softens the blow of heavy lifts without impacting form. It’s built to last with hard-wearing fabric that wipes clean easily, and the velcro fastening means it stays put.
Buy now £25.00, Myprotein
Lights Mountain Square Hip-Thrust Pad
If you’re after comfort and a bit of style, the Lights Mountain barbell pad is the one. First off, the green camouflage design is a nice switch from the usual plain black – subtle, but with personality. It also comes in other colours if camo’s not your thing, so there’s something for everyone’s taste.
The high-density foam is thick (5cm) and absorbs impact really well, especially during hip thrusts and glute bridges. It doesn’t squish flat after a few uses, which I’ve had with others. It’s longer than average at 42cm, so it covers more surface area and feels supportive even if you're on the taller side.
Buy now £34.42, Amazon
RPM Power Barbell Pad
If you want extra support without the bulk, this pad is a good option. Designed with high-density rubberised foam, it doesn’t flatten under pressure.
The adjustable fixing straps are a standout too; they keep the pad locked in place on any bar, so there’s no slipping mid-set, even during high-intensity sessions.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Temu Barbell Squat Pad Set
Affordable yet durable, this pad comes with all the extras to target your glutes from all angles such as an ankle strap for kickbacks and bands for warm-ups or adding extra tension to your thrusts. It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it a great addition to any home gym or training routine in a more cost-effective way.
Buy now £10.14, Temu
Booty Sprout Hip Thrust Machine
If you are in a rush, the last thing you want to do is spend ages assembling a barbell and padding layers for thrusts.
So if you're working from home and have the space for a lunchtime pump-up, the Booty Sprout Hip Thrust Machine is a handy option. Designed specifically for high-resistance glute training, it allows you to perform hip thrusts safely without needing a barbell or gym bench, coming with in-built hip protection as it uses softer resistance rather than a metal bar.
Buy now £119.00, Amazon
