glute-exercises-better-than-squats

5 Glute Exercises Better Than Squats

We all know the benefits of doing squats, but let’s be honest – squats can be rather boring and unenjoyable sometimes. Or they can activate a long forgotten knee pain right when you least need it. So is there a better way to tone your glutes and get a firm, round behind ?

Of course there is. You don’t have to rely on squats to achieve a tight bottom and strong legs.

In this article we’ll show you the shorter route to firm glutes consisting of 5 great glute exercises with better or equally effective results than the plain old squat!

Five Exercises for Glutes, Effective as Squats

#1. Single-Leg Deadlift With Kettlebell

Take a 20-pound kettlebell in your left hand and stand on your left leg, keeping the other one slightly off the ground. Keeping your back straight and the left knee slightly bent, lean your upper body forward while extending your free leg behind you for better balance.

Lower the kettlebell as close to the ground as possible, then return to the starting position and perform the movement with the kettlebell in your right hand and the left leg off the ground. Perform 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg.

single-leg-deadligt

Single-leg deadlift with kettlebell

#2. Curtsy lunges

Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart, hands on hips. Take a big step back with your left leg and cross it behind you, lowering the left knee toward the floor while keeping the right knee directly above your right ankle and the torso upright.

Continue lowering your hips until your right thigh is almost parallel to the floor. Hold the position for 2 seconds then return to the starting position and perform it on the other side. Perform 3 sets of 15 reps on each side.

curtsy-lunges

Curtsy lunges

#3. Fire hydrants with leg extension

Begin on all fours with knees hip-width apart and your hands directly below your shoulders. Keeping the knee bent to a 90-degree angle, lift your left leg out to the left side, then extend it.

Pause for 2 seconds before bending the knee again, then bring the leg back to the starting position and repeat. Perform 3 sets of 20 reps on each side.

fire-hydrants-with-leg-extension

Fire hydrants with leg extension

#4. Barbell step-ups

For this movement, you’ll need to place a bench or a chair in front of you. Place your right foot in the center of the chair, while holding a barbell behind your head with both hands.

Step up onto the bench and bring your left knee forward. Lower yourself back down and repeat with the other leg. Perform 3 sets of 20 reps on each leg.

barbell-step-ups

Barbell step-ups

#5. Bear plank leg lifts

Begin in a plank position with your body forming a straight line and your shoulders directly above your wrists. Bend both knees slightly and then bend your right knee at 90-degrees.

Squeeze your glutes and lift your right leg, raising the heel up as high as possible.

Hold the position for 2 seconds, then lower the leg down and repeat. Perform 3 sets of 15 reps on each side.

bear-plank-leg-lift

These five exercises are all you need to effectively target the glutes and boost your backside aesthetics. Forget about squats and perform these moves every day and we guarantee that you’ll be sporting a nicely toned tush in virtually no time!


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