Glute workouts for women not only help achieve a rounded butt but also build muscle and strength in other lower body parts. They offer some fabulous everyday benefits as well.
The glutes help you sit, stand, walk, and run, and contribute to your overall functional fitness. Moreover, they play a major role in lower back and hip flexibility while being one of the biggest hip extensors of the body. Keeping these muscles strong and toned helps improve posture, strengthens the lower body, prevents injuries, and also enhances overall sports performance.
While you can’t get a rounded butt overnight, with consistent practice of some of the best glute workouts for women, you can see a real difference in a few weeks. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best butt workouts for women that can help you get a toned and strong booty.
Best glute workouts for women
Try the following glute exercises a few times a week to see the best results:
#1 Walking lunge
The walking lunge is the best workout for the legs and butt. This exercise is considered one of the most effective glute workouts for women, as it targets both the legs and buttocks and helps loosen tight hamstrings and hips too.
Doing walking lunges regularly increases lower body flexibility and also boosts range of motion.
To do a walking lunge:
- Stand straight with your feet together.
- Step forward with your left foot, and use your hamstrings, core and glutes to get into a lunge position.
- Lift your right foot, and step forward. At the same time, drop into a lunge on the opposite side.
- Continue the lunge, and walk forward for a few steps.
#2 Hip thrust
Hip thrust is one of the best glute workouts for women. If you're a beginner, it's best to start this exercise using your own bodyweight. Once you're confident enough, use a dumbbell or a barbell to do this amazing glute workout.
To do a hip thrust:
- Start seated on a mat or floor with the knees bent and feet at hip-width distance.
- Position your hands on the floor underneath the shoulders, and keep your fingers facing away from your body.
- Squeeze your glutes, and slowly raise your hips to get into a tabletop position. Do not round your shoulders or move your neck.
- Hold the position for a count of five, and slowly lower your hips to the starting position.
- Repeat.
#3 Resistance band kickback
Resistance band kickbacks are among some of the most effective glute workouts for women. This exercise helps improve muscle strength in the glutes and also enhances core stability. Moreover, it tones the hips, thighs, and hamstrings.
To do a resistance band kickback:
- Get on your knees and hands on the floor, and put one end of the resistance band around your left foot.
- Position the other end of the band just above the right knee.
- With the abs and glutes engaged, kick your left leg back till it gets straight.
- At full extension of the leg, bring your leg back to the starting position, and repeat the exercise.
#4 Kettlebell swing
A great multifunctional exercise, kettlebell swings are one of the most strengthening glute workouts for women. This exercise not only helps build rounder butts but boosts muscle strength, develops functional strength, and works wonders on shoulder and back pain too.
To do a kettlebell swing:
- Stand with your hips slightly pushed back and knees slightly bent. Lean your upper body so that it's at a 45-degree angle.
- Hold the kettlebell with both hands, and keep your arms extending straight.
- Squeezing your abs and glutes, lift your torso; straighten your legs, and push your hips forward in one motion while swinging the kettlebell up towards chest height.
- Reverse the motion, and bring the weight back between your thighs, and take it as far as you can.
- Repeat the exercise.
#5 Split squat
Split squats are also considered one of the most productive glute workouts for women, as they target both sides of the glutes at the same time. Additionally, this exercise also targets the quads and enhances muscle activation of one leg at a time.
To do a split squat:
- Stand straight a few feet in front of a bench, and position your legs together. To enhance difficulty, you may hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Extend one foot back, and place it on the top of the bench.
- Slowly bend your front leg, and lower your torso straight towards the floor while ensuring that the knee stays behind your toes at all times.
- Press through your front leg, and engage your glutes as you rise straight to the starting position.
Now that you know about the aforementioned amazing glute workouts for women, add them to your lower body exercise routine to get the best results.
If you're new to exercise, we recommend that you start slow with light weights, and work your way up gradually as you gain more strength. Do not rush through the movements, and always keep your form in check at all times.