Nov 06, 2025

8 best exercises for strengthening your glutes

Aanya Mehta

Deadlifts

This powerhouse move engages the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Focus on form, keep your back straight and push through your heels as you lift.

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Donkey Kicks

On all fours, lift one leg upward while keeping your knee bent. This isolates the glute muscles and helps with toning and shaping.

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Fire Hydrants

Also done on all fours, lift your leg out to the side to target the gluteus medius, important for hip stability and balance.

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Glute Bridges

Lie on your back with knees bent, lift your hips upward while squeezing your glutes at the top. This move isolates and strengthens your glute muscles.

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Hip Thrusts

Similar to glute bridges but performed with your upper back on a bench. Adding weights on your hips increases resistance and helps build stronger, rounder glutes.

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Lunges

Step forward or backward, bending both knees to 90 degrees. Lunges work your glutes and help improve balance and stability.

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Squats

A classic compound move that targets your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Keep your back straight and lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor for maximum activation.

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Step Ups

Using a sturdy bench or step, step up and drive through your heel to engage your glutes. Alternate legs for balanced strength.

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