Squeezing the glutes

[Boobasaur]

I want to protect my lower back and focus on activating my glutes during squats and deadlifts. When do I squeeze my glutes?

I found a forum post mentioning to squeeze only at the top/end of a deadlift but what about doing squats? Only when ascending? Or the top only? Or throughout?

I'll be doing bridges, going lower in squats and generally wider stances - are there any other general tips for activating the glutes more?

[womanoid]

Activating your glutes is part of what initiates the concentric part, and they stay contracting until you're finished & your hips are fully extended.

lol, just do a good, intense butt squeeze in private & aim for that feeling anywhere you can during lifting. The exercises you listed are all good.