Which exercise is least likely to target the glutes effectively?

The seated leg extension primarily targets the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh rather than the glutes. This exercise involves sitting down and isolating the quads by extending the knees against resistance. While the glutes are somewhat engaged for stability, they are not the primary muscle group being worked during this movement.

In contrast, exercises such as leg press, hip thrusts, and bridges are specifically designed to target the glutes more effectively. The leg press involves pushing weight away from the body using both the legs and the glutes, while hip thrusts and bridges are centered around hip extension, which directly engages the glute muscles. Therefore, the seated leg extension is least effective at specifically targeting the glute muscles compared to the other exercises listed.