A rounder, tighter booty isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functional strength and spinal support. Your glutes are the largest muscle group in your body, and training them effectively requires hitting all three parts: the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus.

The best part? You can sculpt and strengthen these muscles from the comfort of your home with zero equipment. Consistency is the secret ingredient!

1. Squats – The Classic Foundation

How to Perform the Perfect Squat | YouFit Gyms

Target: Glutes, Quads, Core

Squats are the “king” of lower-body exercises, engaging multiple joints and building overall mass.

How to do it:

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
  • Lower your hips as if sitting into a chair, keeping your chest up.
  • Ensure your knees stay behind your toes and your heels remain grounded.
  • Push through your heels to return to standing.

Reps: Start with 30 reps per session.

2. Lunges – Shape & Symmetry

Lunges: Muscles Worked, How-To, Variations, and More

Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Balance

Lunges are essential for identifying muscle imbalances and shaping the “under-butt” area.

How to do it:

  • Step forward with one leg, lowering until both knees form 90-degree angles.
  • Keep your torso upright and your core engaged.
  • Push off the front heel to return to the starting position.

Reps: 4 sets of 15 reps per leg.

3. Hip Raises (Glute Bridges)

Reduce Low-Back Pain With Glute Bridges | Peak Fitness

Target: Glute Isolation

This move eliminates the quads and forces the glutes to do 100% of the work. Perfect for those with “lazy glutes.”

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Squeeze your glutes and drive your hips toward the ceiling.
  • Pause at the top for 1 second, then lower slowly.
Add Intensity: Place a dumbbell or a heavy water bottle across your hips for extra resistance.

4. Donkey Kicks – The Isolator

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Target: Gluteus Maximus

Donkey kicks provide serious activation and help create that “lifted” appearance.

How to do it:

  • Start on all fours, hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
  • Keep your knee bent at 90 degrees and lift one leg straight up behind you.
  • Imagine pressing your heel against the ceiling and squeeze the glute hard.

Reps: 15 per leg x 3 sets.

5. Side-Lying Leg Lifts

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Target: Outer Glutes & Hips

Targeting the gluteus medius is the key to achieving a rounded, “heart-shaped” look from the back.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your side with legs fully extended.
  • Lift your top leg toward the ceiling while keeping your hips stacked (don’t roll back).
  • Lower with control to maintain constant tension.

6. Stair Stepping

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Target: Functional Strength + Cardio

This mimics the “Step Up” exercise found in gyms, providing a great cardiovascular boost alongside muscle toning.

How to do it:

  • Find a sturdy set of stairs.
  • Step up with one foot, driving through the heel, and bring the other foot up.
  • Step down and repeat, alternating leading legs.

Reps: 3 sets of 30 steps.

7. Abductor Side Kicks

Adductor Exercises: Build Hip Strength and Prevent Injury

Target: Hip Mobility & Side Glutes

This variation focuses on lateral movement, which is often neglected in standard forward-moving workouts.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your side with the bottom leg bent for stability.
  • Raise the top leg at a slight angle toward the back to better engage the glute fibers.
  • Focus on the squeeze at the top of the range.

8. Classic Glute Bridge (Hold)

How to Do a Glute Bridge | The Output by Peloton

Target: Core & Posterior Chain

Adding a “static hold” to the glute bridge builds muscle endurance and strengthens the lower back.

How to do it:

  • Perform a standard Glute Bridge, but once your hips are at the top, hold the position.
  • Keep your core tight and don’t let your hips sag toward the floor.
  • Hold Time: Aim for 30–60 seconds per set.

Next Steps: To see real transformation, aim for 2–3 sessions per week. Pair these exercises with a protein-rich diet and plenty of water. Your glutes will thank you!

Would you like me to create a 4-week progress tracker for this routine or suggest some post-workout stretches to help with recovery?