Booty Building
NadNight
Posts: 794 Member
My backside is flat as a pancake and I want to give it some shape. Only there's so much advice out there from doing squats and pilates to lifting heavy weights. Do squats actually work or do I need to be looking at lifting? What's the best way to start getting some shape?
1
Replies
-
Strong Curves is a great program that focuses on booty gains. I just started and I am loving it.4
-
Majority of people don't go down enough for squats to do anything to the glutes. And sometimes even when you do, quads take over.
There are better exercises out there for glutes, hip thrust, glute bridges, kickbacks etc5 -
I would say squats and lunges are probably the best thing to help build strength and muscle in that area. In general i think you want to lift weights and try to build your strength. While cardio seems to be the focus on most peoples workout routine, if you are looking to build muscle, I would not do as much cardio and focus on weight training. Goodluck.1
-
Another vote for Strong Curves. There are several programs in there, from bodyweight to advanced with equipment. He has you doing hip thrusts and glute bridges as your main exercises, also deadlifts and squats, as well as accessory work.
Also, for best results you want to be eating in a surplus to grow the muscle.. at least at maintenance. But your next steps will depend on your stats and bodyfat %.1 -
I will give another vote of Strong Curves. I have had noticeable results. You will probably get the best results using weights but if these are not available it is still possible to build your booty using only bodyweight as long as your program is progressive (e.g. more reps, modifications to make the movements more difficult) you won't be able to make changes to your body if you keep doing the same thing. Following a structured program like Strong Curves is a good way to do this as it will tell you when you need to make things more difficult.
You haven't mentioned your diet but you also probably won't be able to build considerable muscle unless you are eating at at least maintenance if not at a slight surplus. My bum is definitely stronger, rounder and firmer but it's not got much bigger and I know that this is because I am still eating at a deficit.3 -
Another vote for Strong Curves. There are several programs in there, from bodyweight to advanced with equipment. He has you doing hip thrusts and glute bridges as your main exercises, also deadlifts and squats, as well as accessory work.
Also, for best results you want to be eating in a surplus to grow the muscle.. at least at maintenance. But your next steps will depend on your stats and bodyfat %.
@sardelsa Did you ever run the program on a deficit?0 -
I just ordered it last week on MFP peeps recommendations, comes in monday...can't wait!2 -
Ironandwine69 wrote: »Majority of people don't go down enough for squats to do anything to the glutes. And sometimes even when you do, quads take over.
There are better exercises out there for glutes, hip thrust, glute bridges, kickbacks etc
And deadlifts, donkey kicks, clams (with resistance bands), single leg push downs on the assisted pull up.
I agree with the above about the squats though, unless I really concentrate on hitting depth (bum to floor) and a hip hinge on the way up, there's very little going on in the glutes (not that that bothers as I do the other stuff for those and squats are mainly for my quads).1 -
Another vote for Strong Curves. There are several programs in there, from bodyweight to advanced with equipment. He has you doing hip thrusts and glute bridges as your main exercises, also deadlifts and squats, as well as accessory work.
Also, for best results you want to be eating in a surplus to grow the muscle.. at least at maintenance. But your next steps will depend on your stats and bodyfat %.
@sardelsa Did you ever run the program on a deficit?
Well I ran a version of it after I had my son (I used his template to make my own programming). But recently I have been running Get Glutes, a spin-off program very similar to Strong Curves, in a deficit while cutting after my bulk with great success.1 -
Okay I haven't seen Strong Curves but now I am superrr curious! For my booty, I do a lot of weighted bridges / single leg bridges. To me they are the absolute BEST glute activating exercise you can do. I also think lunge variations are great for balancing all of the muscles in your glutes; pulse lunges, Bulgarian split lunges, alternating walking lunges, lateral lunges, curtsey lunges etc. I Also love sumo squats, goblet squats, single leg deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, cable kick backs, and all things focused on the hamstrings. I hurt my knee because I did not have balanced gluteus medius and hip flexors - and am on the mend. So please incorporate clams (you can use a resistance band to make it harder) and one legged squats (using a bench etc) to keep everything balanced and avoid the issues I have faced!
Now off to check out strong curves!1 -
Another vote for Strong Curves. There are several programs in there, from bodyweight to advanced with equipment. He has you doing hip thrusts and glute bridges as your main exercises, also deadlifts and squats, as well as accessory work.
Also, for best results you want to be eating in a surplus to grow the muscle.. at least at maintenance. But your next steps will depend on your stats and bodyfat %.
@sardelsa Did you ever run the program on a deficit?
Well I ran a version of it after I had my son (I used his template to make my own programming). But recently I have been running Get Glutes, a spin-off program very similar to Strong Curves, in a deficit while cutting after my bulk with great success.
I'll check that one out; thank you!1 -
Another vote for Strong Curves. There are several programs in there, from bodyweight to advanced with equipment. He has you doing hip thrusts and glute bridges as your main exercises, also deadlifts and squats, as well as accessory work.
Also, for best results you want to be eating in a surplus to grow the muscle.. at least at maintenance. But your next steps will depend on your stats and bodyfat %.
@sardelsa Did you ever run the program on a deficit?
Well I ran a version of it after I had my son (I used his template to make my own programming). But recently I have been running Get Glutes, a spin-off program very similar to Strong Curves, in a deficit while cutting after my bulk with great success.
I'll check that one out; thank you!
No prob! If you haven't run Strong Curves before I would definitely check it out first, especially since you can find the template online for free and the book (which I highly recommend) is pretty reasonable.1 -
I recommend deadlifts, hip raises, glute bridges, reverse hyperextensions, and lunges in addition to the squats. Check out Strong Curves for sure! And you have to eat to build a booty.4
-
I recommend deadlifts, hip raises, glute bridges, reverse hyperextensions, and lunges in addition to the squats. Check out Strong Curves for sure! And you have to eat to build a booty.
Yup, and more than the 1000 calories you were saying you eat... are you still 109# at 5'6" ? Because that's going to have to change significantly if you plan on having a booty in this lifetime.
5 -
jseams1234 wrote: »I recommend deadlifts, hip raises, glute bridges, reverse hyperextensions, and lunges in addition to the squats. Check out Strong Curves for sure! And you have to eat to build a booty.
Yup, and more than the 1000 calories you were saying you eat... are you still 109# at 5'6" ? Because that's going to have to change significantly if you plan on having a booty in this lifetime.
I agree with this.
OP if those are your current stats, you will definitely have to eat in a surplus to build anything.1 -
Work up to 3 sets of 30 reps or more bodyweight squats - vary your stance from hip width to shoulder width.
Wider stance hits the booty while narrower stance hits the thighs so alternate the stance.
Stationary lunges are also good. Throw in a couple sets.
Don't neglect your upper body.
Do 3-6 sets of pushups and also some kind of upper body pull or row.
Do this 3-4 times per week.
Make your goal a hard, muscular body. The size of your butt is somewhat genetic.
4 -
Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.1
-
wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
0 -
BinaryPulsar wrote: »wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
While hip thrusts are great and my main glute builder, I do a huge variety of exercises to hit them from all angles. Strong Curves has many substitutions for exercises, you definitely do not need to join a gym to make it work.
What kind of equipment do you have ? You can do hip thrusts using bodyweight, bands, dumbbells in the beginning but over time as you get stronger it is easier to progress with a barbell.
I workout at home so I don't have any fancy equipment (except maybe a standard cable machine) even if you don't have that, you can do kickbacks and abductions with bands and add an ankle weight
0 -
BinaryPulsar wrote: »wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
While hip thrusts are great and my main glute builder, I do a huge variety of exercises to hit them from all angles. Strong Curves has many substitutions for exercises, you definitely do not need to join a gym to make it work.
What kind of equipment do you have ? You can do hip thrusts using bodyweight, bands, dumbbells in the beginning but over time as you get stronger it is easier to progress with a barbell.
I workout at home so I don't have any fancy equipment (except maybe a standard cable machine) even if you don't have that, you can do kickbacks and abductions with bands and add an ankle weight
Thanks. I do barbell hip thrusts with a barbell and plates at home.
I do have an ankle weight. It's ten pounds. Is it worth doing the quadruped hip extension kick backs with that?
My apartment has a weight room. I think they had a cable. But, last I checked it was broken. Maybe we can fix that.
I have a gym membership, but it's on hold for now, while I decide.0 -
BinaryPulsar wrote: »BinaryPulsar wrote: »wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
While hip thrusts are great and my main glute builder, I do a huge variety of exercises to hit them from all angles. Strong Curves has many substitutions for exercises, you definitely do not need to join a gym to make it work.
What kind of equipment do you have ? You can do hip thrusts using bodyweight, bands, dumbbells in the beginning but over time as you get stronger it is easier to progress with a barbell.
I workout at home so I don't have any fancy equipment (except maybe a standard cable machine) even if you don't have that, you can do kickbacks and abductions with bands and add an ankle weight
Thanks. I do barbell hip thrusts with a barbell and plates at home.
I do have an ankle weight. It's ten pounds. Is it worth doing the quadruped hip extension kick backs with that?
My apartment has a weight room. I think they had a cable. But, last I checked it was broken. Maybe we can fix that.
I have a gym membership, but it's on hold for now, while I decide.
Yea I've done them like that with the ankle weight. Bands are great too for added resistance.
I've never used a butt blaster, leg press, GHD.. I use my bench to do back extensions and reverse hypers and I actually don't even squat heavy (since I don't have a rack) so I still get it done despite limited equipment.
1 -
BinaryPulsar wrote: »BinaryPulsar wrote: »wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
While hip thrusts are great and my main glute builder, I do a huge variety of exercises to hit them from all angles. Strong Curves has many substitutions for exercises, you definitely do not need to join a gym to make it work.
What kind of equipment do you have ? You can do hip thrusts using bodyweight, bands, dumbbells in the beginning but over time as you get stronger it is easier to progress with a barbell.
I workout at home so I don't have any fancy equipment (except maybe a standard cable machine) even if you don't have that, you can do kickbacks and abductions with bands and add an ankle weight
Thanks. I do barbell hip thrusts with a barbell and plates at home.
I do have an ankle weight. It's ten pounds. Is it worth doing the quadruped hip extension kick backs with that?
My apartment has a weight room. I think they had a cable. But, last I checked it was broken. Maybe we can fix that.
I have a gym membership, but it's on hold for now, while I decide.
Yea I've done them like that with the ankle weight. Bands are great too for added resistance.
I've never used a butt blaster, leg press, GHD.. I use my bench to do back extensions and reverse hypers and I actually don't even squat heavy (since I don't have a rack) so I still get it done despite limited equipment.
Wonderful! Thanks so much! Oh, what is GHD?0 -
BinaryPulsar wrote: »BinaryPulsar wrote: »BinaryPulsar wrote: »wackyfunster wrote: »Barbell hip thrust and GHD both activate glutes a lot more than squats do. You should probably squat as well, but those two will give you much better butt gains.
What is GHD? Sorry, I probably know, but it's not ringing a bell.
I agree with everyone about hip thrusts and strong curves. More calories and protein.
Do you all think hip thrusts are sufficient. Or do you think it's very helpful to join a gym and use the quadruped hip extension machine (butt blaster or something like that), basically weighted kick backs on hands and knees?
While hip thrusts are great and my main glute builder, I do a huge variety of exercises to hit them from all angles. Strong Curves has many substitutions for exercises, you definitely do not need to join a gym to make it work.
What kind of equipment do you have ? You can do hip thrusts using bodyweight, bands, dumbbells in the beginning but over time as you get stronger it is easier to progress with a barbell.
I workout at home so I don't have any fancy equipment (except maybe a standard cable machine) even if you don't have that, you can do kickbacks and abductions with bands and add an ankle weight
Thanks. I do barbell hip thrusts with a barbell and plates at home.
I do have an ankle weight. It's ten pounds. Is it worth doing the quadruped hip extension kick backs with that?
My apartment has a weight room. I think they had a cable. But, last I checked it was broken. Maybe we can fix that.
I have a gym membership, but it's on hold for now, while I decide.
Yea I've done them like that with the ankle weight. Bands are great too for added resistance.
I've never used a butt blaster, leg press, GHD.. I use my bench to do back extensions and reverse hypers and I actually don't even squat heavy (since I don't have a rack) so I still get it done despite limited equipment.
Wonderful! Thanks so much! Oh, what is GHD?
No problem!
It's a type of machine, it stands for "glute ham developer"1 -
Thanks @sardelsa0
-
EMG activation results for various exercises and some progression ideas from Contreras if you don't want to buy Strong Curves:
https://www.t-nation.com/training/inside-the-muscles-best-leg-glute-and-calf-exercises
https://www.t-nation.com/training/dispelling-the-glute-myth
1 -
Weighted squats, lunges, leg press, etc. lifting heavy will build muscle, not only in your butt! Make sure you hit all parts of the glute muscles. Vary your workouts one day heavy, next time include some plyos and then lower weights with higher rep.2
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions