Butt-Lifting Exercises That Actually Work!

Squats
Squats are a classic and highly effective exercise for building glute strength. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body as if sitting back into a chair. Keep your chest lifted and knees aligned over your toes. Aim for three sets of 10-15 repetitions. Not only do squats target your glutes, but they also engage your thighs and core, making them a comprehensive lower-body workout.

Lunges
Lunges are fantastic for shaping and lifting your buttocks. Begin by standing tall and stepping forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are at 90-degree angles. Push back to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Perform three sets of 10-12 lunges per leg. This exercise not only works the glutes but also challenges your balance and stability.

Glute Bridges
Similar to hip thrusts, glute bridges are an excellent way to target your glutes. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes at the top. Lower back down and repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps. Glute bridges also help improve core strength and stability, making them a versatile addition to your workout routine.

Donkey Kicks
Donkey kicks are great for isolating the glute muscles. Begin on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Keeping your knee bent, lift one leg towards the ceiling, squeezing your glute at the top. Lower it back down and repeat for three sets of 12-15 repetitions on each side. This exercise targets the gluteus maximus, helping to shape and lift the backside.

Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants work the glutes from a different angle. Start on all fours and lift one leg out to the side while keeping your knee bent at 90 degrees. Lower back down and repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps per side. This exercise not only helps lift your butt but also engages your hip abductors, contributing to better overall lower body strength.

Step-Ups
Step-ups are a functional exercise that effectively engages your glutes. Find a sturdy bench or step and place one foot on it. Press through your heel to lift your body onto the step, bringing your other foot up to meet it. Step back down and repeat for three sets of 10-12 repetitions on each leg. Step-ups mimic real-life movements while targeting your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

Cable Kickbacks
Cable kickbacks are a great way to isolate and target the glutes. Attach an ankle strap to a cable machine and adjust the weight. Stand facing the machine, and with one leg, kick back while keeping your knee straight. Return to the starting position and repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps per leg. This exercise adds resistance to your workout, promoting muscle growth in the glutes.

Bulgarian Split Squats
The Bulgarian split squat is a challenging exercise that targets the glutes and legs. Stand a few feet in front of a bench and place one foot on it behind you. Lower your body into a squat, ensuring your front knee stays behind your toes. Perform three sets of 8-10 reps on each leg. This single-leg exercise requires balance and coordination while providing a fantastic glute workout.