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Butt Exercises From a Trainer That Really Target My Glutes

Check Out 7 Trainer-Approved Exercises That Are the Most Effective For Targeting My Booty

I like a good booty workout, especially when it incorporates moves that target my glutes with an intensity that makes me go, "Yep, I'll definitely feel that in the morning!" That's why I was particularly happy with an at-home Glute Guide from NASM-certified personal trainer Bailey Ducommun. It consists of eight weeks total: two four-week phases, two arm and two butt workouts per week. It took me an extra month (three instead of two) to complete the guide, but the important thing is that there were exercises in both phases that I couldn't get enough of — meaning, I really felt my glutes working after repeated sets.

My favourite move, which I've written about in the past, is what she calls a Bulgarian Romanian deadlift (Bulgarian RDL). It's a Bulgarian split squat and Romanian deadlift combo that will target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Bailey told POPSUGAR in a previous interview that that's the reason she likes to pair these specific movements together: "they complement one another well for a full leg burn targeting your quads, glutes, and hamstrings."

Ahead, check out the Bulgarian RDL and other exercises from Bailey's Glute Guide that I liked most because I didn't have to wonder if they were working: I knew they were. I still incorporate them into my sweat sessions today, even after finishing the program. Take a look, and try some of these for yourself!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Kelly

1. Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

These are one of my favourites for targeting each glute respectively.

  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand (or a kettlebell in both) and lift your left foot slightly off the ground.
  • Keep your back flat and bend at your hips while raising your left leg, which should stay in line with your body. The dumbbells will lower toward the ground.
  • With your back straight, return upright to your starting position. This completes one rep. Make this move harder by keeping your left foot off the ground as you go through your reps. Be sure to do the same number of reps on the other side.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

These are hip thrusts with added weight, and because you're pulsing into a half hip thrust after each full thrust, they are extra effective at bringing the heat to your glutes.

  • Sitting on the floor with your legs extended, rest your back against a stable bench.
  • Place a dumbbell directly above your hip joints (below your lower abs).
  • Brace your core. As you drive your heels into the ground, squeeze your glutes, lifting your hips up to full extension, meaning your hips are even with your knees.
  • With control, lower back down until your butt is a few inches off the ground. Do another hip thrust, this time only lowering down half way (like you're pulsing).
  • One full hip thrust and one half hip thrust equals one rep.

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