You know that squats are the key to building stronger glutes—but there's more to squatting than meets the eye.
By Giselle Castro, Fitness Magazine
Having a perky, round butt is all the rage thanks to Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and other celebs who boast booty powerhouses. Though they may be blessed with the right materials, the truth is not everyone is built the same way. Keep these new facts in mind the next time you're trying to break parallel.
1
Having a perky, round butt is all the rage thanks to Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and other celebs who boast booty powerhouses. Though they may be blessed with the right materials, the truth is not everyone is built the same way. Keep these new facts in mind the next time you're trying to break parallel.
1
Squats can reveal muscle imbalances
Your squat can tell a personal trainer a lot about your muscle imbalances, body's structure, strengths, and weaknesses. It might seem like a basic exercise, but it's very easy to screw up—even if you've been doing them for a long time. You may not realize your knees caving in, or that you're not using your hips enough, or if you're leaning forward too much if no one has corrected you before. It's important to have a professional observe you. You'd be surprised about what you can learn about your body!
2
2
There are TONS of variations
Most people stick with the tried-and-true traditional bodyweight squat, but there are plenty of others you can try out to strengthen your glutes and lower body. Alternate with split squats, pistol squats, sumo squats—the list is endless!
3
3
Your glutes are the biggest muscles in your body
If you want a total body workout, always get your glutes involved. The gluteus maximus is the biggest muscle in your body, making it the biggest calorie burner too. Adding weight training to your workouts helps your body release testosterone, which aids as a growth hormone and helps your body build muscle and burn more fat.
4
4
Squats are also a core exercise
Usually, when you think of ab exercises your mind jumps to crunches or sit ups. But squats force you to engage your core for stabilization. Goblet squats are perfect for challenging your core; holding a kettlebell or a dumbbell in front of your chest, forces you to stay upright and engage your abs even more.
5
5
Squats aren't the only butt-building exercise you need
Contrary to popular belief, squats aren't a one-way ticket to a better butt. If you want to build your glutes to their maximal potential, you need to add other exercises to your arsenal as well. Try deadlifts, hip thrusters, or split squats to grow that booty.
