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Plus, discover if running or walking makes your butt bigger!
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Having a big and perky butt can boost your self-confidence, but how can you grow your glutes if you don’t have much to work with? Luckily, you can start by doing simple butt-building exercises 3 times a week and adjusting your eating habits. For quicker results, you can choose clothing and shapewear that creates the illusion of a fuller butt. Keep reading for the best exercises, diet changes, and styling tricks to grow your butt!

How to Make Your Butt Bigger: Effective Exercises

Consistent exercise that targets your glute muscles is key to getting a bigger butt. This includes glute bridges, squats, lunges, donkey kicks, single-leg deadlifts, hip thrusts, clamshells, and banded side-steps. Train your glutes at least 3 days a week, with a rest day in between to let your muscles rest and recover.

Section 1 of 8:

Best Exercises for a Bigger Butt

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  1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, extending your arms at your sides for stability. Tighten your glutes and core muscles, then press through your heels to lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight, bridge-like pose. Squeeze your glutes as tightly as you can in this position for 2 seconds before slowly lowering your hips back to the floor. Do 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. [1]
    • To do a bridge properly, keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet, shoulders, and upper arm area, and lift your chest to help stretch out your back.

    Variation: Increase the intensity of your squats by adding weights using either dumbbells or a barbell . To use dumbbells, hold one in each hand, placing them at your waist or on your shoulders. If you're using a barbell, balance it across your shoulders.

  2. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Push your hips back and bend your knees, making sure your knees don’t go over your toes. Once you reach parallel (with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle), pause for 1-2 seconds, then squeeze your glutes and push through your heels, straightening your legs to return to your starting position. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps. [2]
    • If you want to switch up your routine and strengthen your glutes, try a split squat or weighted squat .
    • Squats target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, which can “add more lean muscle to your body” and “make your butt look bigger,” according to certified personal trainer Danny Gordon.
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  3. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and straighten your back, lowering your body until your thighs are parallel to your knees. Then, push through your toes to rise and explode off the floor into a jump, reaching both arms overhead to help with momentum. Land on your feet in your starting position and immediately go into the next repetition. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps. [3]
    • Remember to keep your knees soft throughout the exercise and sit back into the squat (instead of squatting straight down).
  4. Stand with your back straight and your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with your right foot to enter a staggered stance, lowering your body until your right knee is at a 90-degree angle. Make sure your right knee doesn’t go past your toes, and keep your left leg parallel to the ground. Pause for 1-2 seconds, then push through your left heel to return to your starting position. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps. [4]
    • Alternate knees after every lunge or complete all of your reps for 1 leg, then switch to your other leg.

    Variation : Do explosive lunges by standing with your feet together with your hands on your hips. Lunge forward with your right leg, then jump as you come up from the lunge, switching your legs in midair and landing in a lunge with your left leg forward. [5]

  5. Get onto your hands and knees, with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Make sure your back is straight and your legs are bent at 90-degree angles. Lift your right leg off of the floor, keeping it at a 90-degree angle, and squeeze your glutes and raise your leg as high as you can. Then, lower your leg back to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps. [6]
    • To make donkey kicks harder, you can add ankle weights to your lower legs or place a looped band around your knees to add resistance.

    Variation: Do kickbacks while standing tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one leg off the ground and kick it behind you, then tighten your glutes as you pull your leg back. Release your glutes as you lower your leg back to the floor.

  6. Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand and placing your hands in front of your thighs. Engage your abs and bend your knees a little bit while folding forward at the waist. As you hinge your hips, keep your back straight and let the weights drop down in front of you, with your palms facing each other. Hinge slowly until your left leg is parallel to the floor, then lift back up into the starting position. Do 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg. [7]
    • You can also do a deadlift with a barbell to build your glutes. Just make sure you do not attempt it with a barbell that is too heavy for you.
  7. Lean against a steady couch or bench with your shoulder blades, keeping your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart, flat on the floor. Then, push through your feet to lift your hips off the ground, raising your hips to the height of your shoulders and using your glutes to power the thrust. Hold this position for 1-2 seconds before slowly lowering your butt to the floor. Do 3 sets of 8-10 reps. [8]
    • To increase the difficulty of this exercise, place a barbell at the top of your thighs (so it rests on your hips).
  8. Lie down on your side with your knees bent and your legs stack on top of each other. Wrap a resistance band around both thighs, and support your head with your bottom arm. Slowly lift your top knee as far as you can, opening your legs like a clamshell. Hold for one second, then slowly lower your leg back to complete one rep. Do 2 sets of 12 reps on each side. [9]
    • Don’t let your hip tilt back when you lift your knee. It may help to place your top arm at the back of your hip to keep your hips straight.
  9. Stand shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent, and loop a resistance band around your ankles. Step one leg out far enough until you feel resistance in your thighs, repeating this step 10 times. Then, repeat this process on the other side. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps on each side. [10]
    • Remember to keep your hips square, and do not twist your hips.
  10. Stand with your back straight about 1 foot (0.30 m) in front of a sturdy box with your knees hip-width apart. Step up onto the box with your right leg, then bring your left leg up toward your chest into a knee lift before lowering it back to the floor. Step off the box and return to your starting position to complete one repetition. Repeat this on the opposite leg, and do 3 sets of 8-12 reps on each side. [11]
    • To burn even more calories, keep the movement quick and do 30-second to one-minute sets.
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Section 2 of 8:

Does running make your butt bigger?

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  1. Running is a great way to shape and strengthen your glutes, but the type of running you do will determine whether your butt looks bigger. Sprinting and running uphill engages your glutes more than long-distance running, leading to greater muscle growth. However, squats, lunges, hip thrusts, and targeted glute exercises may be more effective in getting a bigger butt. [12]
Section 3 of 8:

Cardio Exercises for a Bigger Butt

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  1. Climbing stairs is a great way to work your entire lower body, including your glutes. Plus, it increases your heart rate, so it's a good cardio exercise. Use a stair climber machine or walk up and down flights of stairs, moving for the entire duration of your workout. [13]
    • For instance, if your goal is to do 30 minutes of cardio each day, you'd climb the stairs continuously for 30 minutes.

    Variation: Run or jog up the stairs to increase the intensity of your workout.

  2. Walking and jogging both work your rear on their own, but you'll see more noticeable results if you're working on an incline. When you're walking on an elevation, your glutes are more engaged. Raise the incline on your machine as high as you can while still maintaining proper form. [14]
    • Don't raise the platform so high that you have to hold on. It's best to pump your arms as you walk or jog to increase the workout.
  3. When you walk up a hill, you're activating your glutes, which can make your butt look bigger. Bring your cardio workout outdoors to an area with natural hills or man-made inclines, then do a brisk walk or jog for 20-30 minutes to work your glutes.
  4. Many sports include movements that naturally enhance your rear. Additionally, sports are a great way to meet your cardio goals. Pick a butt-boosting sport that you enjoy playing to get results while having fun. Here are some great options:
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Section 4 of 8:

Changing Your Diet for a Bigger Butt

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  1. Choose protein sources like poultry, fish, soy, meat-replacement products, beans, legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy. [15] Include a protein source with every meal and snack so that your body consistently receives protein throughout the day. This will help your body rebuild its muscles. [16]
    • According to personal trainer and nutritionist Laura Flinn, good sources of lean protein include “chicken, turkey, eggs, lean beef, fish, whey protein powder, and Greek yogurt.”
    • To calculate how many grams of protein you need, multiply the number of calories you're eating by 35%. Then, divide by 4, which is the number of calories in a gram of protein. For example, if you eat 2,000 calories per day, you would multiply 2,000 x 35% = 700. Then, divide 700/4 = 175, meaning you need 175 grams of protein per day.
  2. Your body uses carbs to fuel your activity, but all carbs aren't equal. [17] Complex carbs like those found in vegetables and whole grains break down slowly, so they provide steady fuel and don't spike your blood sugar. On the other hand, simple carbs like sugar, processed grains, and baked goods spike your blood sugar and burn quickly. Get your carbs from vegetables, whole grains, and some fruits. [18]
    • You could mix oats into your yogurt, eat a salad for lunch, snack on apple slices, or eat quinoa with roasted veggies as a side dish at dinner.
    • To find out how many carbs you need, multiply the number of calories you're eating by 40%, then divide by 4, which is the amount of calories in 1 gram of carbs. If you eat 2,000 calories, multiply 2,000 x 40% = 800. Then, divide 800/4 = 200. You need 200 grams of carbs each day.
  3. Your body also needs healthy fats to maintain your health and rebuild your muscles. Add healthy fats to your diet by consuming olive oil, canola oil, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, avocado, and fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, halibut, and mackerel. [19]
    • You could sprinkle crushed walnuts over your yogurt at breakfast, use an olive oil dressing on your salad at lunch, eat almonds as a snack, or cook your dinner using olive oil or canola oil.
    • To find out how much fat you need daily, multiply the number of calories you eat by 25%, then divide by 9 because each gram of fat contains 9 calories. If you eat 2,000 calories per day, multiply 2,000 x 25% = 500. Then, divide 500/9 = 55.5, which means you need about 55 grams of fat per day.
  4. Drink at least 11.5 cups (2,700 mL) of fluids daily to stay hydrated . Generally, men should drink 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day, while women should aim for 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluid per day. [20] Increase your fluid intake by drinking more water , tea, smoothies, or sports drinks. Additionally, snack on fruits and veggies that contain water, such as cucumbers, celery, watermelon, celery, peaches, and green grapes. [21]
    • If you dislike drinking plain water, add cucumbers, strawberries, lemons, limes, or fresh herbs for flavor.
  5. Processed foods and drinks, such as fast food, soda, milkshakes, chips, candy, desserts, and baked goods, are full of empty calories. To reach your fitness goals, stick to a healthy balanced diet that incorporates various food groups. A balanced meal includes: [22]
    • ½ plate of fruits and vegetables
    • ¼ plate of whole grains
    • ¼ plate of lean protein
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Section 5 of 8:

Choosing Clothes That Enhance Your Butt

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  1. Purchase underwear with built-in padding , or use butt pads that slip into your normal underwear. Try different sizes of padding to find the look you prefer. Then, wear it under your clothing whenever you want the look of a bigger butt. [23]
    • You can try to make your own padding by using foam or stuffing used to fill pillows and quilts.
    • Alternatively, buy butt-enhancing jeans or leggings with built-in padding, or wear shapewear that’s designed to compress your thighs and stomach, while still lifting and separating your butt cheeks.
  2. The right pair of pants can make your butt look perkier and rounder, so try on a few pairs to see which one looks the most flattering on you. Pick fitted pants with pockets that angle slightly inward, making sure the pockets are located on the fullest part of your butt. Wide-set pockets draw the eye outward, giving you the illusion of a fuller booty. [24]
    • If you want to add more volume to your backside, look for pants with pocket flaps, studs, jewels, or other embellishments.
    • Opt for high-waisted pants to highlight your waist, pairing them with a cropped, fitted, or tucked-in top, or choose a curvy skinny jean for a figure-flattering shape.
    • Clothing with horizontal color blocking can make you look curvaceous, especially if the color change is located right underneath your butt. This pattern draws the eye down from the waist to the butt, giving you instant volume. [25]
  3. Wearing a belt at the narrow part of your waist can create the illusion of a bigger butt because it accentuates the difference between your waist, hips, and butt. To create this effect, place your belt over any shirt or dress, then tighten it along your natural waistline. This draws attention to the smallest part of your waist, giving you a curvy, hourglass figure. [26]
    • This trick works best with a long top, blouse, or dress.
    • If you’re slim, try a thin or medium-sized belt to compliment your frame.
    • If you’re curvier, play around with a thicker belt to give you an extra snatched waistline.
  4. Heels naturally alter the curve of your spine, making your legs look longer and your butt slightly larger. They also flex your calves to give you the illusion of toned legs, which may trick people into believing you have a strong butt. Choose heels that feel comfortable and allow you to walk normally (but still give you an extra pep in your step). [27]
    • Wider, closed-toe heels provide more balance and ankle support, and they still look incredibly stylish.
    • If you’re not used to walking in heels, start with a small heel of about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm), then work your way up.
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Section 6 of 8:

Cosmetic Procedures for a Bigger Butt

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  1. If exercise and lifestyle changes do not work for you, there are several cosmetic procedures that can help you get a bigger, rounder, or perkier butt. There are serious health risks that may occur, so talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to see if you qualify for any of the following procedures: [28]
    • Butt implants: This is when a surgeon inserts silicone implants into your butt to enhance its size and shape.
    • Fat transfer or BBL (Brazilian butt lift): This is when a surgeon removes excess fat from the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs with liposuction, then injects the fat into the butt to make it look larger. [29]
Section 7 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    What causes a flat butt? A person may have a flat butt because of age, genetics, low body fat, a lack of exercise, poor posture, or lack of strength training. [30] As you age, you naturally lose muscle mass, which can make your butt look flatter. Some people also store less fat or muscle in their glutes, or live a sedentary lifestyle, which can shrink their glutes over time. Additionally, slouching or tilting your pelvis forward can make your butt look smaller than it actually is.
    • Some medical conditions, such as scoliosis or hip dysplasia, can also affect the alignment and shape of your butt, causing it to look flat.
  2. 2
    How long does it take to get a bigger butt? If you’re consistent with your workout routine and diet, you may see noticeable results in 4 to 8 weeks. [31] Training your glutes at least 3 times a week, gradually increasing the weight or intensity of your workouts, is key. You should also rest for a day in between workouts so your muscles can recover and rebuild. On your rest days, do cardio exercises or work other muscle groups to meet your fitness goals.
    • While it’s possible to see results in as little as 4 weeks, keep in mind that some people build muscle in their glutes faster than others, based on genetics.
    • You should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week to maintain good health. This could be running, swimming, dancing, cycling, or getting on the elliptical for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. [32]
  3. 3
    Can I get a bigger butt if I’m really thin? Yes, it’s totally possible to grow your butt by following the right workout and diet plan. Focus on exercises that target the glute muscles, such as glute bridges, squats, donkey kicks, lunges, hip thrusts, and single-leg deadlifts. You should also eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is rich in protein. Since you’re thin, make sure you’re eating more calories than you burn to build muscle—you can use an online calculator to determine how much you should eat. [33]
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Section 8 of 8:

Final Thoughts

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  1. Focus on exercises that target your glute muscles to get a bigger butt. This includes glute bridges, squats, lunges, donkey kicks, deadlifts, hip thrusts, clamshells, and banded side-steps. For quicker results, you can wear padded shapewear or undergarments for an instant boost. Cosmetic procedures, such as fat transfers and butt implants, can help you get a bigger butt without exercise, but they are usually expensive and come with health risks.
    • At the end of the day, consistency is key when it comes to building a bigger butt. Consult with a certified personal trainer if you’re not sure what exercises work for you. They can help you come up with a personalized fitness and diet plan.

Get a Bigger, Sexier Butt with this Expert Series

Have you dreamed of having a bigger, more toned butt? You can make a lot of progress in even a few weeks with this expert series.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What exercises strengthen your buttocks?
    Laila Ajani
    Fitness Trainer
    Laila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 13 years as a trainer and exercise specialist, Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
    Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    There are a lot of exercises that can strengthen your glutes and hips. Some of the most effective exercises for those areas include barbell or dumbbell deadlifts, glute bridges, and back squats. However, consider working with a trainer to ensure you're exercising safely, because you run a little more risk of injury if you're not performing them in the right positions.
  • Question
    If you are very slim, can you still build a butt safely and be able to see the improvements?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    The buttocks are muscle so yes, with proper exercise and diet, you can build muscle size in your buttocks. Try jumping exercises and make sure you consume enough protein as well as carbs and fat calories every day.
  • Question
    In regards to step five of method one, when I eat, my weight doesn't go anywhere! I have extreme difficulty putting on weight even though I eat and I'd like to get curvier. How do I get those dream curves if my body won't let me!?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Start counting the calories. Just like losing weight, gaining weight can only be achieved by keeping track of the calories consumed and adjust accordingly. It is just as difficult as losing weight, but with perseverance, and careful meal planning you can gain weight. One tip many people use is consuming meal replacement shakes between meals, as a snack.
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      Tips

      • Wearing a short, fitted skirt can also make your butt look bigger, since it draws the eye upward. Try wearing a bodycon, A-line, or high-waisted pleated skirt to add volume to your backside.
      • No matter the size of your butt, embrace your body and wear clothes that make you feel good. Confidence is the key to attractiveness, and even a simple shift in posture can make you appear more sexy—lift your head, push your shoulders back, and arch your back slightly!

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you're new to doing squats, watch some instructional videos before trying them yourself. It's important to have good form when doing squats or you could hurt your back or knees.
      • To make your butt look bigger in a photo, arch your back, tilt your shoulders toward the camera, and hold your stomach in.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to make your butt bigger is to do butt-enhancing exercises and eat foods that promote muscle growth. Squats, lunges, bridges, and step-ups are all great butt exercises that will help your butt muscles get bigger. Do your butt workout 3 times a week, with a rest day between each workout so your muscles have time to heal and grow. Walking or running on an incline for 30 minutes every day is also a great way to work out your butt muscles. Another part of getting a bigger butt naturally is eating a balanced diet that promotes muscle growth. Aim to get 35% of your calories from lean protein, like poultry, fish, nuts, and soy, since protein is critical for growing bigger muscles. Get forty percent of your calories from complex carbs, like vegetables and whole grains. Your body needs carbs to fuel your workouts. Finally, get 25% of your calories from healthy fats, which your body needs to rebuild your muscles. You can get healthy fats by eating avocado, olive oil, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon and trout. By eating a healthy diet and sticking with your butt workouts, you’ll start noticing results in no time. To learn more from our Personal Trainer co-author, like how to get a bigger butt by adjusting your diet, keep reading!

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        Dec 9, 2017

        "Squats, leg lifts. Using my household stairs as a stepper, adding 5 lb dumb bells to the mix, plus Laura London ..." more
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