The 5 Best Butt-Building Exercises to Do in the Gym 🍑

Let's be real: who doesn't want a big, shaped booty? Whether your goal is aesthetics, strength, or just feeling like a boss in your jeans, glute training is essential. And no, random kickbacks alone won't cut it. If you want real results, you've got to hit your booty with smart, compound moves.

Here are the 5 best butt-building exercises to add to your gym routine.

1. Barbell Hip Thrusts

The queen of glute growth. Hip thrusts directly target your glutes better than almost any other movement. When done correctly, they isolate the booty, help you build serious strength, and give you that round, lifted look.

Pro tip: Keep your chin tucked and squeeze at the top like you're trying to crack a walnut.

2. Bulgarian Split Squats

This one's a love-hate relationship, but it works. With one leg elevated behind you and the other doing the work, you'll light up your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Plus, it improves balance and stability.

Pro tip: Lean forward slightly to put more emphasis on your glutes instead of just your quads.

3. Deadlifts (Romanian or Conventional)

Deadlifts are a total powerhouse. Romanian deadlifts (RDLs) especially target the glutes and hamstrings while also building core strength. They're amazing for overall lower body strength and aesthetics.

Pro tip: Focus on pushing your hips back, not bending your knees too much. Keep that bar close to your legs.

4. Cable Kickbacks

Okay, yes, you've seen them all over TikTok, and for good reason. Cable kickbacks isolate the glute max (the biggest glute muscle) and help you sculpt shape. They're perfect as a "finisher" after your big lifts.

Pro tip: Don't swing your leg. Move slow and controlled—your glutes should be doing the work, not momentum.

5. Squats (Yes, They Still Work!)

The classic. Squats build your entire lower body, but with the right form and focus, they'll grow your glutes too. Wide-stance squats or adding a pause at the bottom increases glute activation.

Pro tip: Think "sit back into a chair," keep your chest tall, and drive up through your heels.

The Bottom Line

If you want to build a strong, sculpted booty, you can't just throw random exercises together. These 5 moves—when programmed smartly and progressively—will give you the glute gains you're after.

👉 Ready for a custom booty program that actually gets results? Let's build you one. Start training with me today