As summer approaches, many people focus on toning and strengthening their lower bodies for a more sculpted look. The glutes—one of the body’s most powerful muscle groups—play a key role in movement, stability, and overall aesthetics. With the right workouts, you can build strength and definition in your glutes and legs just in time for the upcoming warm season!
We checked in with Taylor Wilson, founder of Active Recovery Companions and a certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and Dr. James Hook to learn about five exercises that can aid in “stronger, more toned” glutes. Read on to get all their insights!
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1. Dumbbell reverse lunge
Dumbbell reverse lunges effectively engage the gluteus maximus. As you step backward and lower your body, the glutes work to stabilize the hip and control the movement. When you push back up to the starting position, the glutes contract strongly to extend the hip, promoting muscle growth and improving the shape of the buttocks.
As you lower your body and then push back up, the quads work to extend the knee and support the movement. This helps build strength and muscle mass in the thighs, contributing to a more defined appearance.
"Hold a dumbbell in every hand and move up and down with one leg after the other. Performing the lunge with both legs interchangeably ensures proper distribution of the strength of your legs. However, avoid leaning forward or using unequal weights, as it can cause unbalanced development of the leg muscles," Hook says.
2. Barbell Romanian deadlift
By focusing on the posterior chain (the muscles on the back of the body), including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, the Romanian deadlift helps create a balanced lower body. This balance is crucial for preventing muscle imbalances, improving posture, and enhancing overall strength and performance.
"Grab the barbell using both hands and lift it up gradually while leaning forward. The exercise is effective in strengthening your hamstrings and glutes. However, you should avoid uncontrolled movements or curving your back," Hook reveals.
3. Cable kickback
Cable kickbacks are a low-impact exercise that places minimal stress on the knees and lower back compared to some other lower body exercises. This makes them suitable for those who are recovering from injuries or looking to reduce joint strain while still effectively working the glutes.
"Cable kickback is also useful in giving your legs strength and keeping them toned. The workout involves standing while facing the pulley machine, bending your knees, and leaning forward. Then, kick one leg back 10 times and then exchange it with the other leg. The exercise is effective in strengthening your upper gluteal muscles, which is effective in building strong, toned leg muscles," says Hook.
4. Squats
Squats are highly effective for targeting both the glutes and leg muscles due to their compound nature, meaning they engage multiple muscle groups at once.
"Squats target the glutes, quads, and hamstrings, promoting overall leg strength and muscle definition," says Wilson.
How to Perform: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, keep chest up, and lower body as if sitting back into a chair, ensuring your knees don’t pass your toes. Return to standing.
5. Lunges
Lunges are helpful for engaging the gluteal muscles, especially the gluteus maximus.
Lunges place a significant emphasis on the quadriceps, the large muscles at the front of the thighs. "Lunges work the glutes, quads, and hamstrings while also improving balance and stability," Wilson notes.
How to Perform: Step forward with one leg, lowering hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Push back up to the starting position and switch legs.
