Which foundational exercise can progress in a glute training program?

Bodyweight squats serve as a foundational exercise in a glute training program because they effectively engage and activate the glute muscles while also incorporating the quadriceps and hamstrings. This exercise allows for a natural movement pattern that can be easily progressed in various ways to accommodate different fitness levels and goals.

Progressions for bodyweight squats can include adding resistance with weights—like dumbbells or a barbell—as well as variations such as jump squats, single-leg squats, or incorporating different squat depths and tempos. These adjustments not only increase the intensity of the workout but also allow for greater muscle engagement, particularly in the glutes.

In contrast, the other options may not serve as the initial foundational exercise for building glute strength or progression as effectively as bodyweight squats. Leg curls primarily target the hamstrings with less direct emphasis on the glutes, while the seated leg press primarily focuses on the quadriceps and doesn't utilize the full range of motion that squats provide. The incline bench press, being an upper body exercise, targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps, and does not engage the glutes directly. Therefore, bodyweight squats stand out as the most suitable foundational exercise for glute training progression.