The butt contains a grouping of muscles known anatomically as the "glutes." The specific parts are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. If you currently have a slim backside and you want to make it more rounded, you have to do glute-building exercises. These can be done with free weights, machines and the weight of your body.
Step-ups
Step-ups work your glutes with the aid of a step stool, workout bench or stair step. Stand behind the bench with your feet hip-width apart while holding dumbbells at your sides or a barbell across the top of your shoulders. After placing your right foot on the bench, press down to lift your body in the air. As you do this, lift your left leg up in front of your body until your thigh parallels the floor. Slowly lower onto your left foot and repeat. Once you have completed 10 to 12 reps, switch sides.
Sumo Deadlift
A regular deadlift works your thighs and glutes, but you can place more emphasis on your glutes by doing the sumo deadlift. Place a weighted barbell on the floor, stand behind it with your feet in a wide stance and turn your toes turned out. After bending your knees and hips to lower your body, grasp the bar with a shoulder-width grip, lift it off the ground and come to a standing position. Slowly lower it to the floor and repeat for 10 to 12 repetitions.
Leg Press
Leg presses target your glutes and thighs, and they are done on a leg press machine. Sit on the seat with your back against the backrest and your feet placed shoulder-width apart on the steel plate. After pushing up and flipping the safety handles over, lower the plate toward your body until your knees form 90-degree angles. Steadily push back up, stopping just short of locking out your knees, and then repeat. Perform 10 to 12 repetitions.
Cable Kickback
Cable kickbacks require the use of a cable machine and ankle cuff. Fasten the cuff to your lower right leg and the other end to a low setting on one side of the machine. While facing the weight stack, lift your foot off the floor and move your leg behind your body in an arcing motion. At the same time, squeeze your glutes forcefully and hold for a full second. Slowly lower and repeat. Once you've completed 10 to 12 reps, switch sides.
Single Leg Hip Lift
Single leg hip lifts work your glutes with the weight of your body. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Steadily lift your hips off the floor until you form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders and extend your right leg straight in front of you. When doing this, squeeze your glutes forcefully and hold for a full second. Slowly lower your hips and leg back to the starting point and repeat with your left leg. Continue to alternate back and forth for 10 to 12 reps on each side.
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