When you're looking to tighten things up around your derriere, the most commonly suggested move is something that many of us know all too well — squats. While it's true that squats are great for your booty, they can get pretty monotonous. If you have a habit of squatting and thinking, there has to be another way, you're right. There are plenty of exercises you can do to tone your booty and switch things up when squats get a little boring. Plus, working your glutes from different angles is the most effective way to shape them, so even if you're a squat-lover, you'll definitely want to add these booty-shaping moves to your workout!
1. Single-Leg Glute Bridge
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, about hip-width apart.
- Keep your knees in line, and extend one leg upward.
- While you exhale, squeeze your glutes and push your hips toward the ceiling as high as you can.
- Pause, then lower your hips until your butt hovers right above the floor.
- Repeat these moves without letting your butt touch the ground.
2. Hydrants with Leg Extension
- Get on all fours with your knees hip-width apart.
- Lift your bent leg toward the ceiling, then extend the left foot straight out to the side.
- Pause before you bend your knee again, and bring your knee back to starting position.
- Repeat for 45-60 seconds on the left side, then switch to the right.
3. Rainbows
- Begin on all fours with your knees hip-width apart.
- With a pointed toe, extend your left leg behind you and slightly to the left.
- Keep your core tight and your leg straight, and slowly lower your leg to tap the floor.
- Squeeze your glutes as you lift your leg back to starting position, then slowly tap the floor about a foot to the right.
- Return to starting position to repeat.
- Repeat for 45-60 seconds before switching legs.
4. Curtsy Lunges
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips.
- Keep your hips square and cross your right leg behind you, stepping backward as you lower your right knee to the floor.
- Your left knee should remain directly above your ankle.
- Pause, then press into your left heel as you stand, and extend your right leg into a side kick.
- Repeat for 45-60 seconds before switching legs.
5. Plank Leg Lifts
- Start in a plank position with your shoulders above your wrists.
- Lift one leg, extend and hold, then lower, and repeat on the other side. As you lift, flex your foot, squeeze your glutes, and raise your heel toward the ceiling as high as you can.
- Hold for 45-60 seconds before switching sides.
6. Single Leg Dead Lift
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your right foot a few inches in front of your left.
- Your left knee should be slightly bent.
- Tighten your abs and slowly bend forward, keeping your left foot in line with your spine as you reach toward the floor.
- Pause, then return to starting position.
- Repeat 45-60 seconds before switching sides.