Exercises That Will Give You A Better Booty… That Aren’t Squats

It seems as though the only road to nice plump toned behind is squats, squats, squats, and more squats. Go on Tumblr and Instagram and you’ll find 30 different “Squat Challenges”, or videos of your favorite model or fitness inspiration squatting like 300lbs. You would think that was the only way to achieve the rear end of your dreams aside from going under knife, but there are 5 different exercises that aren’t squats that will give you the round booty you always dreamed of!

When I first started working out and building my glutes I was terrified of squats. Mainly because I had bad knees (from Cheerleading and Genetics) , and I didn’t know how to properly do a squat without injurying myself. So instead I started to do different glute targeting exercises and I ended up gaining 3 inches on my hips doing those exercises, taking in protein, and eating clean. I eventually got over my fear of squats, but these exercises are still part of my leg day routine.

1. Deadlifts:

This is by far my favorite exercise. It targets your glutes as well as your lower back. These are super easy to do and you will really feel it in your glutes after.

2. Kickbacks

Great for toning your butt. Whether it’s weightless, on a machine, or with ankle weights this is great for working all of your glutes. If you want a challenge or trying to build your glutes I recommend you add weights.

3. Leg Curls

This exercise works your hamstrings more than it does your glutes but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t help you build a perkier booty! The stronger and more toned your hamstrings, the perkier you butt will appear. Do not neglect the rest of your leg!

4. Bridges

Just like the Kickbacks this is great for toning your glutes if you do it weightless, or you can make it challenging by adding weights. Try to get you butt as far as you can off the floor and really engage your glutes.

5. Leg Press

This exercise works for entire leg and it’s basically like doing a squat on your back(if that makes any sense). Most people will only feel this exercise in their Quads, Hamstring, and even Calf, but not in their glutes. The secret to feeling in your glutes is to place your feet up high on the plate and keep them a little wider than usual. Also, don’t forget to go deep like you would fro squats!

Add these exercises to your workout routine along with your squats(or without if you have a phobia like I use to have) and you’ll have a head turning booty in no time!