7 Exercises to Get the Perfect Butt

From Nicki Minaj to Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel, the star backsides take many different shapes and sizes. 

Not surprisingly, this is the area my clients tend to focus on most. It’s one part you really can't fake. Sure, you can wear those ridiculous padded underwear, but the truth is you're probably not fooling anyone but yourself – especially in a bikini. 

A toned backside truly anchors your physique, and can make the difference between jeans fitting … and jeans REALLY fitting. 

The key to toning your butt can be broken down into three muscle groups. 

First, and most obviously, you need to train your gluteus muscles.  The "glutes" enable us to extend at the hip and are active when your thighs moves away from the front of your upper body.

Great glute exercises

1. Skater Lunge

2. Walking Lunge

Harley demonstrates a walking lunge

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3. Single Leg Squat 

Harley demonstrates a single leg squat

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The second area to focus on is your hamstrings.  The hams originate from your "butt bones" (ischial tuberosity), thus, tie in with the glute muscles. Working on the hamstrings and helps shape and tone the bottom of the butt.

Work your hams

4. Stiff leg dead-lifts 

Harley demonstrates a dead-lift

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5. Hamstring ball curl

Harley demonstrates hamstring ball curl

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The final muscle group to consider, is your lower back (spinal erectors).  These muscles tie in to the top of your butt region and help us extend our back, otherwise know as "arching your back." Strengthening the lower back helps develop that sexy curve everyone wants from your back to your bum.

Back exercises

6. Superman

Harley demonstrates superman

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7. Bridge

Harley demonstrates a bridge

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Adding in three sets of 20 reps each into your routine should do the trick.