The hip thrust can be used as a main lift to build strength and a great posterior chain, but also as an assistance exercise to finish up an already taxing lower-body workout.
Since using a dumbbell limits the amount of weight used, focus on maintaining a slower tempo and do more volume. I cue athletes to push the dumbbell toward their knees on the way down to ensure a full range of motion.
A program is only as good as its progressions. Why? Because once you adapt to the challenges, they stop working. Here's what to do to continue losing fat and building muscle.
I remember lying on the incline bench. It was an "old school" incline bench: long, straight, and red, with footpads at the bottom so you're literally locked in from heel to shoulder for every rep.
Five wins by TKO, four wins by submission, three wins by decision... and a single loss to Matt Hughes by armbar in his first title fight. It's that last one that haunts Spike athlete Georges "Rush" St-Pierre.