Having toned glutes is not only desirable for aesthetic reasons, it also helps improve posture, balance and overall lower body strength.
But with busy schedules, tight budgets and limited gym access, it can be challenging to commit to long workouts and costly equipment.
Good news is, you don’t need to sacrifice hours and dollars to achieve a firmer backside. With just 10 minutes a day, a few simple exercises and minimal equipment, you can transform your butt and feel more fabulous in your favorite fits.
Here are some moves to try:.
1. Squats
Squats are one of the most effective exercises to engage all the muscles in your lower body, particularly the glutes, quads and hamstrings. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and arms at your sides.
- Bend your knees and hinge your hips, as if you’re sitting on an imaginary chair behind you.
- Keep your core tight, your chest up and your weight on your heels.
- Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Push through your heels to stand back up.
Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
2. Lunges
Lunges are another great way to activate your glutes, while also improving your balance and stability. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and hands on your hips.
- Step forward with your right leg and bend both knees until your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your left knee hovers above the ground.
- Keep your core tight, your shoulders back and your gaze forward.
- Push through your right heel to stand back up, and repeat on the other side.
Do as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
3. Bridges
Bridges are a simple yet effective exercise to isolate and activate your glutes without putting pressure on your knees and lower back. Here’s how to do it:.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground and arms at your sides.
- Engage your core and lift your hips up toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- Lower your hips back down to the ground, but don’t touch the floor.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
4. Single-Leg Deadlifts
Single-leg deadlifts are a challenging yet effective exercise to improve your balance, stability and gluteal strength. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and hands on your hips.
- Lift your left leg off the ground while keeping your right leg slightly bent.
- Hinge your hips forward and lower your torso until it’s parallel to the ground, extending your left leg behind you.
- Keep your core tight, your shoulders back and your gaze forward.
- Shift your weight onto your right foot and slowly lift your torso back up to the starting position.
Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute, then switch to the other leg.
5. Step-Ups
Step-ups are a simple and effective exercise to target your glutes, quads and hamstrings while also improving your cardiovascular health. Here’s how to do it:.
- Find a sturdy bench, chair or step that’s about knee height.
- Stand in front of it with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and arms at your sides.
- Step one foot onto the bench, pressing through your heel to lift your body up.
- Bring your other foot up to meet it, then step back down with the same foot you started.
- Repeat with the other side, alternating legs for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
Remember to keep your core tight, your chest up and your weight on your heels.
6. Plyometric Squats
Plyometric squats are a high-intensity exercise that can help you burn fat, build strength and power in your glutes, and improve your athletic performance. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and arms at your sides.
- Squat down to the floor as low as you can.
- Jump up explosively, lifting your feet off the ground and swinging your arms up.
- Land softly back down into the squat position.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
Make sure to land on the balls of your feet and keep your knees in line with your toes.
7. Glute Kickbacks
Glute kickbacks are an effective exercise to target your gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in your booty, and also improve your hip extension. Here’s how to do it:.
- Get on all fours with your hands and knees on the ground, and your back straight.
- Lift your right leg up and extend it back behind you, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- Lower your leg back down, but don’t touch the floor.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute, then switch to the other leg.
Try to keep your back flat and your movements controlled and smooth.
8. Side-Lying Leg Lifts
Side-lying leg lifts are a great way to target your gluteus medius, the muscle that runs along the side of your butt and helps stabilize your hips. Here’s how to do it:.
- Lie on your right side with your legs straight and your head resting on your right arm.
- Lift your left leg up as high as you can without rolling your hips forward, then lower it back down.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute, then switch to the other side.
Remember to keep your core tight and your movements controlled and steady.
9. Glute Bridges with Banded Abduction
Glute bridges with banded abduction is a variation of the bridges exercise that adds resistance to your glutes and outer thighs. Here’s how to do it:.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground and a resistance band looped around your thighs.
- Engage your core and lift your hips up toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- While holding the bridge, spread your legs apart against the resistance of the band, then bring them back together.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
Try to keep your hips stable and your glutes engaged throughout the exercise.
10. Jumping Lunges
Jumping lunges are a high-energy exercise that combines the benefits of regular lunges with cardiovascular conditioning. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward and hands on your hips.
- Step forward with your right leg and bend both knees until your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your left knee hovers above the ground.
- Jump up explosively, switching your legs in mid-air.
- Land softly into a lunge position with your left leg forward.
- Repeat with the other side, alternating legs for as many repetitions as you can within 1 minute.
Try to keep your movements smooth and your landings soft.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need fancy gym equipment or hours of free time to get your dream booty.
With these 10-minute exercises, you can work your glutes from all angles, improve your strength, mobility and balance, and feel more confident and sexier.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to fitness goals. Aim to do these exercises at least 3-4 times a week, increase the intensity and duration gradually, and combine them with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits.
With patience, dedication and motivation, you can transform your butt and your overall wellness.