Why your upper glutes deserve more love, and the best exercises to strengthen them.

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woman doing an upper glutes exercise with an exercise band.

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And that really is a shame.

(NOt to mention that ignoring it could lead to aglute imbalance.)

woman sweating in the gym

certified personal trainer and creator ofBodyFit by Amy

So how do you engage these often-overlooked muscles?

Its all about strategic activation and mind-muscle connection.

Ready to fire up those glutes and feel the difference?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Keep reading for a science-backed upper butt workout that will leave you stronger, more balanced, and yesperkier.

Meanwhile, the gluteus medius is what we know to be the upper glutes.

What are the benefits of upper glute exercises?

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Stronger upper glutes lead to more overall bodily stability.

When we walk and or run, our upper glutes aid in stabilizing our pelvis.

They also play a critical role in maintaining an efficient and safe lower body.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

certified personal trainer and creator ofBodyFit by Amy

Theres also another benefit: Youll notice a more lifted and pronounced booty, Roser says.

Do you want to strengthen, stabilize, or maintain or build a shelf?

Youll want to tailor your routine to fit your fitness dreams, according to Vesco.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Are you trying to build muscle mass and strength by lifting heavy weights?

Are you correcting an imbalance or rehabbing an injury with a resistance band?

In either scenario, it’s possible for you to expect upper glute benefits.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

The way you go about them just differs.

No matter which approach you take, you want to feel challenged.

When we walk and or run, our upper glutes aid in stabilizing our pelvis.

They also play a critical role in maintaining an efficient and safe lower body.

Here are nine upper glute exercises that are sure to make your buns burn.

Clam shell

2.

Curtsy lunge

3.

Sumo squat

4.

Lateral lunge

5.

Banded lateral walk

6.

Dumbbell front squat

7.

Sumo deadlift

8.

Single-leg Romanian deadlift

9.

Side hip abduction

TIP

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Banded standing hip abduction

11.

Fire hydrants

12.

Bulgarian split squat

13.

Step-up

14.

Single-leg glutes bridge

15.

Hip thrust

16.

Its important to also be mindful of your pelvis during all upper glute exercises, Schemper says.

Banded glute bridges and deep core exercises can help correct anterior pelvic tilt, as evidenced by thisstudy1.

With a stronger core and more neutral pelvic alignment, our glutes can better engage in lower-body movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I give my upper butt a natural curve?

Rome wasnt built overnight and neither is a bigger booty!

How do I know if my upper glute workout is working?

Remember: Upper glute gains take time.

The work is never over and consistency always gives you the possibility to expedite that process, she says.

Strong glutes, strong legs, strong life.

Can you work out your glutes two days in a row?

TL;DR: It depends on your skill level and overall fitness.

Basically, monitor your perceived soreness levels, Dr. Reed says.

So, your best bet is to start slow and monitor how you feel.

After a few sessions, you will understand how your body is reacting.

How many times a week should I work out to grow a butt?

Theres no one set answer.

How often you should perform these exercises depends on how heavy youre lifting for them, Vesco says.

Heavy lifts for muscle growth and strength should only be done one to two times per week.

Can you change the shape of your glutes through exercise?

Yes, but it will take time.

Building strength in the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus will get you there much faster.

Additionally, its important not to overwork your glutes in hopes of faster results.

What are the most useless exercises for building your glutes?

Why are my upper glutes not growing?

Its also possible to plateau while working out.

In fact, its common.

Your body can adapt to movements, weights, and workouts, according to De Leon.

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