Want a stronger, rounder, and more sculpted backside without spending hours at the gym? The secret isn’t just doing endless squats. To build a firmer, perkier butt, you must target the glutes from multiple angles, activating underused muscles like the glute medius and minimus.

These 7 powerful exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment. Not only will they help you look great, but stronger glutes also improve posture, athletic power, and significantly reduce lower back pain.

1. Glute Activation with Ball (The Prep)

Step 1 Roll out your muscles using a ball or foam roller.

Gluteus Maximus, Hip Stabilizers

Waking up your glutes before a workout ensures they “fire” properly during heavier movements, preventing other muscles from taking over.

How to do it:

  • Lie face down and place a small ball or firm pillow under your hip.
  • Use your arms to lift your upper body slightly off the mat.
  • Gently move your hips back and forth over the ball to massage and stimulate the tissue.
  • Lift and lower one leg out to the side after each pass for active engagement.

Duration: 30 seconds per side.

2. Side Leg Raise

Side Leg Raises Two Ways with Variations and Tips

Gluteus Medius (Outer Glute), Abductors

This targets the “side butt,” which is essential for a rounded look and preventing “hip drop” during movement.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your side with legs stacked; support your head with your hand.
  • Keep your torso completely still and lift your top leg to a 45-degree angle.
  • Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Ensure your toes point forward, not up.

Reps: 10–15 per side.

3. Curtsy Lunge

How To Do A Curtsy Lunge | SELF

Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

The diagonal movement adds a lateral stretch to the glute maximus, creating a unique stimulus for growth.

How to do it:

  • Stand with feet together. Step your right foot diagonally behind your left leg.
  • Bend both knees into a lunge; your front knee should stay over your ankle.
  • Drive through the front heel to return to the starting position.
Pro Tip: Lean your torso slightly forward (at about 30 degrees) to place even more tension on the glutes.

4. Lateral Jump Side Steps

Exercise guide: Lateral hops

Glutes, Thighs, Cardiovascular System

This adds an explosive element to your workout, recruiting fast-twitch muscle fibers for faster results.

How to do it:

  • Slightly squat and hop sideways over a line, landing softly on one foot.
  • Immediately hop back in the opposite direction.
  • Keep your center of gravity low throughout the movement.

Reps: 15 jumps (back and forth).

5. Kettlebell (or Dumbbell) Swing

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Glutes, Hamstrings, Core

This is the “king” of posterior chain exercises. It trains the hip hinge, the most important movement for building glute power.

How to do it:

  • Hinge at the hips with a flat back; the weight should hang between your legs.
  • Snap your hips forward aggressively to swing the weight to chest height.
  • Squeeze your glutes hard at the top—do not lift with your arms.

Reps: 15–20 swings.

6. Lateral Band Steps (Monster Walks)

Monster Walk Walking With Leg Bands Monster Walks Band Walks Workout Walking With Resistance Bands On

Glute Medius, Hip Stabilizers

Using a resistance band provides “constant tension,” which is a primary driver for muscle hypertrophy (growth).

How to do it:

  • Place a resistance band just above your knees.
  • Assume a half-squat position and take small steps to the side.
  • Maintain tension on the band; do not let your feet come all the way together.

Reps: 12 steps left, 12 steps right.

7. Kneeling Hip Drive

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Glutes, Lower Back

This mimics the “Hip Thrust” but is gentler on the lower back and excellent for mind-muscle connection.

How to do it:

  • Kneel on a mat with your butt resting on your heels.
  • Engage your glutes and drive your hips forward until you are in a tall kneeling position.
  • Lower back down with a slow, controlled tempo.

Reps: 15 repetitions.