Thanks to the AbMat Hip Thrust Pad (HTP) painful hip bones are a thing of the past.

AbMat has created yet another specialized pad that’s comfortable, durable, and helps to stabilize the barbell.

And best of all, the hip thrust pad won’t hinder your motion while doing the exercise.

Let’s dig in!

Unboxing

The AbMat HTP comes wrapped inside a plastic bag with a thank you note.

First Impressions

When I first saw the AbMat hip thrust pad it looked just like a regular pad.

But once I touched it, i noticed the top has a harder surface than the bottom.

I own several AbMat products (Preacher Pad, AbMat, Medicine Ball, Box Squat Pad, Magnetic Massage Gun Holder, Pivot Pad, and Barbell Bomb) so I knew AbMat was up to their foam magic once again.

Now I had to research more into this different layered approach they’re using.

The front has HTP on the top left corner.

There’s no lettering on the back.

Specs

Dimensions: 18” x 9” x 1.75”

Cordura outer: Outside is made of tough Cordura fabric for durability (same fabric my heavy duty sandbags use)

Color: Black

Multi-layer padding: Distributes weight load evenly and protects hips/pelvis and ensures bar stability.

Made in the USA: Quality materials used for longevity

AbMat Hip Thrust Padding

So after digging the internet I found out the AbMat hip thrust padding is made with multiple layers.

The top layer is made of a hard rubber and comes in contact with the barbell or dumbbells.

Then you have four layers of foam that help distribute the weight evenly.

And on the bottom layer is a comfortable pad that comes in contact with your hips.

Stability

I wanted to test out that top layer of hard rubber so I dip some hip thrusts with no hands.

Barbell remained stable at the top…

And also at the bottom of the movement.

That top layer is hard enough to give the bar a good base yet flexible enough to not hinder the exercise…Genius!

Is This The Best Hip Thrust Pad for Heavy Weight?

I’ve tried several things to cushion the load when doing heavy hip thrusts.

Barbell squat pads aren’t thick enough and are too narrow so the barbell is hard to balance.

Towels and yoga mats are a messy joke.

And even tried a glute drive machine with a padded seatbelt with a barbell on top for extra weight.

None of those feel as good or provide barbell stability like the AbMat HTP does.

Hip Thrusts With Dumbbells

You can do hip thrusts with just about anything you can throw on top of your hips.

And yes, I tried the hip thrust pad with dumbbells and it works just as good.

What Muscles Do Hip Thrusts Work?

Hip thrusts target your glute muscles, both gluteus maximus and gluteus medius.

But you’ll also feel it in your hamstrings since they’re involved in hip extension.

Having strong glute muscles can help improve your squats, deadlifts, higher jumps, faster sprints, and pelvis stability.

What I Like

Comfortable: Padding feels very comfortable even with heavy weight

Wide: It’s wide enough so if I want to use a wider stance, it still protects my hips and thighs

Stable: Harder top layer gives the barbell some stability so the barbell doesn’t wobble even with hands off

Cover: Cordura is a tough fabric, the HTP should last a while

Price: For $50 it’s not bad at all considering AbMat uses the best padding in fitness

What I Don’t Like

I can’t find anything I don’t like about the AbMat HTP.

It’s comfortable and adds a lot of stability to barbell hip thrusts.

Where to Buy The AbMat Hip Thrust Pad

You can buy the AbMat hip thrust pad from a couple websites.

Buy it directly from AbMat’s official website..

Or you can buy it from Rogue Fitness with Rogue’s branded outer cover.