Bridges

Strengthens the glutes and core that support the low back.

Bridges exercise illustration

What it helps

Builds the glutes and core together, giving your hips and low back a strong, stable base to move from — so the muscles do the work instead of the joints.

How to do it

  1. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat.
  2. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes to lift your hips into a straight line.
  3. Lower slowly with control.

Tips

  • Keep your stomach gently braced — do not arch your back.
  • Drive through the glutes, not the low back.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, daily.

Where this appears in recovery

Bridges is part of 33 recovery programs, typically in the phase 2 and phase 3 and phase 1 stage. Each program shows how it fits alongside the other movements:

All exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education

These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.