The best hip thrust machine for home gym owners is the one that fits the floor space you actually have. The RitFit PHM02 is designed around that constraint, covering 11.56 square feet in training position and 3.72 square feet when stood upright.
This guide covers placement in apartments, bedrooms and small garages, what you can train beyond hip thrusts, how assembly and the learning curve look, and how the PHM02 differs from the M1 Pro Smith machine system.
Quick Answer: The best hip thrust machine for home gym setups is the RitFit PHM02, a plate loaded glute and core trainer with an 11.56 sq ft in-use footprint and 3.72 sq ft of upright storage. It fits bedrooms and apartments, rolls on built-in wheels, holds 1,000 lb static and ships as a single 88 lb box.
Key Takeaways
- Footprint: The PHM02 takes 11.56 sq ft in training position and 3.72 sq ft stored upright against a wall.
- Dimensions: 61.9 inches long, 26.9 inches wide and 19.9 inches tall, with a 75.6 lb net weight on polypropylene wheels.
- Versatility: One 2-in-1 platform covers hip thrusts, glute bridges and sit-ups, and two pairs of band pegs add resistance without plates.
- Durability: A 16-gauge steel frame with 40 x 40 x 1.5 mm tubing rated at 1,000 lb static, backed by 3 years on the frame and welding.
- Positioning: The PHM02 is the dedicated hip thrust machine in the RitFit line, while the M1 Pro is the multi functional Smith machine for full body programs.
How much floor space does the RitFit PHM02 need in a home gym?
The RitFit PHM02 needs 11.56 square feet in training position and 3.72 square feet stored upright. RitFit lists overall dimensions of 61.9 inches long, 26.9 inches wide and 19.9 inches tall, so the machine sits inside a bedroom corner without taking over the room.
- Training footprint: 11.56 sq ft with the frame flat on the floor in hip thrust position.
- Stored footprint: 3.72 sq ft once you tilt it onto the wheels and stand it on end.
- Net weight: 75.6 lb, light enough for one person to reposition between sets.
| Space state | Floor area | What it looks like in the room |
|---|---|---|
| Training position | 11.56 sq ft | 61.9 x 26.9 x 19.9 in footprint flat on the floor |
| Stored upright | 3.72 sq ft | Rolled to a wall and stood on end, mats still attached |
| Net machine weight | 75.6 lb | Moves on polypropylene wheels with the fixed handle |
Source: RitFit PHM02 published spec sheet.
Measure your corner with tape first, then compare those numbers against the listed specs on the RitFit PHM02 Hip Thrust Machine page before you order.
"Easy to move around space saver and perfect for what it's intended for"
Taylor F. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
Where can you set up a hip thrust machine in a small home gym?
A hip thrust machine fits anywhere you can clear about 5 feet by 2 feet of level floor. The PHM02 rolls on polypropylene wheels with a fixed handle, so a bedroom, a studio apartment or a basement corner all work.
- Apartment and bedroom: Store it upright at 3.72 sq ft and roll it out only for the working sets.
- Floor grip: Two rubber platform mats, 50 x 50 cm and 1.5 cm thick, sit under the steel deck and limit sliding.
- Noise: Those mats also soften contact with the floor, which matters in upstairs units and on hardwood.
- Carpet and rugs: The supplied adhesive lets you bond the mats down, and that bond is permanent, so decide before you apply it.
"Love love love! It's perfect for a small home gym and doesn't slide around. It is super sturdy and easy enough to move if needed. I love love love it!"
Dottie S. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
For the rest of the floor plan, browse RitFit strength machines and match each piece to the square footage you have left.
What can you train on the RitFit PHM02 besides hip thrusts?
The PHM02 is a 2-in-1 platform that covers hip thrusts, glute bridges and sit-ups on one frame. RitFit rates the total static weight capacity at 1,000 lb on a 16-gauge steel frame built from 40 x 40 mm tubing with a 1.5 mm wall.
Research shows the barbell hip thrust produces high gluteus maximus activation, which is why a dedicated platform earns its floor space over an improvised bench setup.[1]
- Band pegs: Two pairs are built into the frame for band resistance on top of or instead of plates.
- 3-in-1 pad: The padded backrest cushions the hips during thrusts, acts as a shoulder pad under a barbell and supports the legs during sit-ups.
- Backrest: 60 x 27 cm with a PVC surface over EPE foam, listed at 100 mm or about 3.9 inches of cushioning.
"Fits in my small garage gym we built! Great quality and so many exercise moves you can use it for!"
Amanda G. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
Pair the platform with posterior chain work on the RitFit BE01 Adjustable Back Extension Machine, or sort through the RitFit leg machines if you want a second lower body station.
How long does assembly take and how hard is the hip thrust setup to learn?
The PHM02 ships in one box, so assembly is a single-session job rather than a multi-box weekend. RitFit lists a gross weight of 88 lb and a net machine weight of 75.6 lb, and publishes a PDF user manual and assembly guide with the product.
A biomechanical analysis of the barbell hip thrust describes it as a horizontal hip extension pattern where the upper back rests on a stable, elevated surface while load crosses the hips.[2] That setup is what you are learning, and the frame removes the guesswork of stacking a bench and a bar.
Bret Contreras, PhD, the researcher widely known as The Glute Guy, puts the setup target at a specific height.
"I believe the optimal bench height is around 16 inches. This is what most clients feel most comfortable with... In general, a range of 13-19 inches will satisfy 99% of lifters."
Bret Contreras, PhD, Contreras Strength Institute, How to Hip Thrust
"RitFit is the place to go for all your home fitness needs. Another quality piece of equipment at an affordable price! I love that it can be used for other things besides just a hip thrust. It's decently heavy and not at all difficult to assemble. I check their website regularly to see what new piece I can add to my home gym. Love it!"
Shauna B. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
If a second machine is going into the same room, the RitFit Gazelle 3 in 1 Leg Press Hack Squat Machine is the usual next step for lower body volume.
How does the RitFit PHM02 compare with the M1 Pro?
The PHM02 is a dedicated hip thrust machine, while the M1 Pro is a multi functional Smith machine system. One buys you a single movement done well in almost no space, and the other buys you a full training week on one frame.
| If you need | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A glute station in a bedroom or apartment | RitFit PHM02 Hip Thrust Machine | 11.56 sq ft in use and 3.72 sq ft stored, with a $259.99 sale price |
| Squat, press and cable work from one frame | RitFit M1 Pro Smith Machine | Smith machine system with cable crossovers and a weight stack |
| The smallest floor commitment for glute training | RitFit PHM02 Hip Thrust Machine | Rolls away on wheels and stands vertically between sessions |
| One footprint that replaces several stations | RitFit M1 Pro Smith Machine | Full body programming without moving between machines |
Comparison limited to RitFit products, based on published product page specifications.
"I love this machine, highly recommend to be added to any home gym."
Briana D. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
If you want the machine-first view of the larger system, the existing guide to the best plate loaded hip thrust machine for home gym follows the M1 Pro platform, and the RitFit M1 PRO Smith Machine package lists what that frame includes. A step up again is the RitFit Buffalo Smith Machine Home Gym Package for garages with real width.
Is the RitFit PHM02 worth buying for a home gym?
At $259.99 against a $299.99 regular price, the PHM02 is priced for the space it occupies. Two things drive that value: how little floor it costs you, and how much of the frame you can reuse.
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lb static across the frame and deck.
- Warranty coverage: 3 years on the frame, 3 years on welding, 1 year on bushings and bearings, 6 months on parts and 6 months on pads for the original purchaser in the lower 48 states.
- Returns and shipping: 35 day returns, free shipping in the continental US, and a listed ship window of 2 to 3 days.
- Long term loading: One study of adolescent soccer players compared hip thrust and glute bridge work at different loads, and the response depended on how the movement was loaded.[3]
- Who should skip it: If you want squats, presses and cable work from one frame, the PHM02 is the wrong first purchase.
"It's well-designed, well-made, durable, comfortable to use. Thanks!"
DAVID M. Verified Buyer, RitFit Hip Thrust Machine
If you are building out a whole room instead, start from the M3 home gym Smith machine overview and work backwards to the pieces that fit.
FAQs About the Best Hip Thrust Machine for Home Gym
How much space does the RitFit PHM02 hip thrust machine need?
The RitFit PHM02 uses 11.56 square feet in its training position and 3.72 square feet when stored upright. It measures 61.9 inches long, 26.9 inches wide and 19.9 inches tall, so it fits a bedroom corner or a small apartment gym without rearranging the room.
Can the PHM02 realistically live in an apartment, bedroom or small garage?
Yes. The PHM02 rolls on polypropylene wheels with a fixed handle and stands vertically against a wall, so it tucks away after each session. The two rubber platform mats are 1.5 cm thick and grip the floor, which limits sliding and softens the thudding that bothers downstairs neighbors.
Do you need weight plates for the RitFit PHM02?
Yes. The PHM02 is plate loaded, so you supply the plates. If you do not own plates yet, two pairs of band pegs let you anchor resistance bands instead, which is the cheaper way to start training before you buy iron.
What exercises can you do on the RitFit PHM02?
Hip thrusts, glute bridges and sit-ups. The padded backrest supports your upper back during thrusts, the protective pad supports your legs for core work, and the same pad acts as a shoulder cushion if you rest a barbell on it during squats.
How long does the RitFit PHM02 take to assemble?
The PHM02 uses a two section frame and ships in one box weighing 88 pounds. RitFit publishes a PDF assembly guide with the product. Verified buyers describe the machine as decently heavy and not at all difficult to assemble, so plan for one short session.
Is the RitFit PHM02 the same as the M1 Pro?
No. The PHM02 is a dedicated plate loaded hip thrust machine with a 1,000 lb static capacity and an 11.56 square foot footprint. The M1 Pro is a multi functional Smith machine system that adds cable crossovers and a weight stack for full body programs.
Conclusion
The best hip thrust machine for home gym owners is the one that survives contact with your actual floor plan. The RitFit PHM02 wins that test for most homes: 11.56 sq ft in use, 3.72 sq ft stored, a 1,000 lb static frame and a 2-in-1 platform that also handles core work.
Measure your corner, roll the machine out, and start with bodyweight or band resistance before you load plates. Check the RitFit discount guide before ordering so you do not pay list price.
Disclaimer
This article is general product information, not medical or training advice. Consult a qualified professional before starting a new resistance training program, and follow the manufacturer instructions and listed weight limits for every piece of equipment.
References
1. Neto WK, Vieira TL, Gama EF. Barbell Hip Thrust, Muscular Activation and Performance: A Systematic Review. J Sports Sci Med. 2019;18(2):198-206. PMCID: PMC6544005
2. Brazil A, Needham L, Palmer JL, Bezodis IN. A comprehensive biomechanical analysis of the barbell hip thrust. PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0249307. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0249307. PMCID: PMC8006986
3. Cabuk S, Ince I. The Acute Effects Of Hip Thrust and Glute Bridge Exercises With Different Loads on Sprint Performance and Horizontal Force-Velocity Profile in Adolescent Soccer Players. Eur J Sport Sci. 2025;25(2):e12255. doi:10.1002/ejsc.12255. PMCID: PMC11745155
