Bret Contreras

Sport scientist (PhD, Auckland University of Technology) known as "The Glute Guy". He invented the barbell hip thrust and has co-authored 50+ peer-reviewed studies, much of it EMG research measuring which exercises activate the glutes most. Author of Glute Lab and Strong Curves. His work is training-based and evidence-aware; the exercise-selection/activation research is well supported, while some longer-term size-outcome claims are less settled.