Workouts That Give You a Rounder Butt

Workouts That Give You a Rounder Butt
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One of the major factors that affects the shape of your buttocks is posture, which begins with your pelvis. If it is "tucked" beneath your body (posterior tilt), then your buttocks appear to be flat. Another factor is muscle mass, which provides the sculpted and "full" appearance. Exercises can help improve the posterior tilt and increase definition of your hips.

Downward Dog

One of yoga's most recognizable poses, the downward dog position, strengthens your arms, shoulders, spine and hips, while maintaining balance. You start on your hands and knees, then gradually lift your tailbone to the sky and straighten your legs while your arms are extended and your head between your arms. This position forces your pelvis forward, extending your lower spine. This exercise also stretches the fascia--connective tissues in your skin, muscles and surrounding organs--that runs from the back of your neck to the your calves. Hold this position for five deep breaths, return to the start position, and repeat three or four times.

Squats

The squat is one of the most primitive movement patterns in your body that requires hip and spine strength, mobility and stability. It also trains your entire body, especially all the leg muscles, buttocks and the core.
You can perform squats by using the traditional Olympic method (barbell over your shoulders), front-loading method (barbell in front of you) or free weight carry (dumbbells or kettlebells) by your sides. Regardless of the method you choose, all of these can increase muscle definition in your legs and buttocks, improve posture and strength, and burn more calories than you would on a leg press machine.
In all squat exercises, maintain a tall, strong spine at all times. Lower your buttocks as low as you can without compensation, such as lifting your heels up, flexing your spine, or hunching your shoulders. Inhale as you lower yourself; exhale as you stand up.
Do 10 to 12 reps for three sets. If you can do more than 12 without much effort, add a little more weight to give a stimulus for your body to adapt and grow. If you can do fewer than 10, then lighten the load to prevent compensation and injury.

Kettlebell Deadlifts

Deadlifting means lifting a dead weight off the ground by using the hinging of your hips, particularly the buttocks. Use a kettlebell with a solid weight that you could not lift with your arms, because you may have a tendency to compensate this exercise by using your arms instead of your buttocks.
Deadlifting a kettlebell requires you to initially bend at the hips, tighten your core, and keep your knees slightly bent, with your shins perpendicular to the floor. Get a strong grip with your right hand and put your left hand on your lower back. Keep your spine neutral but not stiff throughout the exercise.
Lift the weight back tightening your buttocks and push your hips forward. The drive will lift your trunk up while carrying the weight. Keep your arm straight and shoulders down. Then gradually lower the weight down to the start position and repeat. Do five to six reps for three or four sets on each side.

References

  • "Pain-Free Program"; Anthony Carey; 2005
  • "Essence of Program Design"; Juan Carlos Santana; 2004

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Mar 23, 2010

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