Hate Squats? 7 Glute Exercises for an Instant Butt Lift

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If you’re not a fan of squats, or due to knee issues, don’t feel comfortable dropping low, there’s still hope for your derriere. The revered functional movement is great for building strength, improving mobility and sculpting a curved physique, but it’s not the only exercise that can do the trick.

1. Dirty Dog

This barre-inspired move, also known as the fire hydrant, will give your glutes, outer thighs and core some serious sculpting action. Just remember to keep your hips square and lifted to get the most out of this exercise. The bent-knee hip extension will give your core and obliques some TLC, too.Repeat for 10 reps, then switch sides.

2. Donkey Kicks

Another highly targeted move, donkey kicks are a great way to fire up the gluteus maximus (the meatiest muscle in your backside, responsible for movement in the hip and thigh). As you kick into gear, make sure to tighten your lower ab muscles and avoid sagging your hips on one side.

3. Glute Bridge

Glute bridges are the perfect booty-shaping exercise because they target all three muscles that make up your butt: gluteus maximus, medius and minimus. They also help stretch your hamstrings and relieve tightness. The key with this exercise is to reach full extension, while keeping your shoulders grounded. Do 10 reps.

4. The Clam

Mobility masters love this move because it addresses hip rotation and glute strength in one fell swoop. Not only will you work out the kinks from sitting all day, in just a few reps, you’ll start to feel the burn in those glutes and thighs. Repeat for 10 reps per side.

5. Lateral Lunge

Lateral lunges will not only strengthen your glutes but also the muscles around your hip and knee joints. To get the most out of this move, you’ll want to keep your back straight and your chest lifted as you sit back into the lunge. Lateral lunges can also help improve your hip mobility and stretch out tight hamstrings. Do 10 reps per side.

6. Single Leg Touchdowns

A test of balance and strength, the single-leg touch exercise improves your range of motion and helps loosen your joints. As you stand on one leg, bring awareness to your upper body to help stabilize weight throughout your body. Perform 10 reps on each side.

7. Single-Leg Forward Reach

Last but not least, another booty balance challenge. The forward reach will help offset your weight as your leg extends behind you. The name of the game is stability and building a strong base. Do 8-10 reps per side.