Direct answer: Hip thrust and squat may develop buttocks. In a nine-week trial, gluteal growth was similar, while squatting produced more quadriceps hypertrophy and adductors. Hip thrust favors specific strength in hip extension; squatting integrates more thigh muscles.
What the longitudinal study found
Participants without training were distributed between hip thrust and squatting with equivalent volume. Both groups increased gluteal measurements similarly, but squatting increased more quadriceps and adductors. This shows why isolated electromyography does not decide hypertrophy.
When to prioritize hip thrust
It is useful when the goal is to add hip extension with little knee demand, better control the thigh emphasis or accumulate gluteal sets with stability. The execution needs to avoid lumbar hyperextension and transform the top into movement of the pelvis.
When to prioritize squatting
It is valuable to develop buttocks, quadriceps, adductors and general strength of the lower limbs. Depth, posture and variation must respect mobility and comfort. Not every woman needs the same type of squat.
The Best Practical Response
For many clients, it is not “or”: hip thrust and a squat pattern can occupy different days. For those who want to limit thigh growth, the squat volume is dosed and other hip extensions gain space.