What is the best squat for glutes?

The sumo squat and deep bodyweight squat produce the highest glute activation among bodyweight options. A 2020 EMG study found that deeper squats (below parallel) increase gluteus maximus activation by 25–35% compared to half squats. Adding a band above your knees further increases glute engagement.

Can squats alone grow your glutes?

Squats alone can produce measurable glute growth — especially deep squats, sumo variations, and progressive overload over time. However, hip thrusts and deadlift patterns complement squats for full glute development. For beginners, squats are an excellent starting point.

How many squats should I do to grow my glutes?

Research suggests 10–20 hard sets per muscle group per week for hypertrophy. For glutes via squats, 3–4 sessions of 3–5 sets (12–15 reps close to failure) per week is a proven starting point. Progressive overload — increasing difficulty each week — matters more than hitting a specific daily number.

Do squats help with a flat butt?

Yes. Squats recruit the gluteus maximus (the largest muscle responsible for butt shape) and stimulate hypertrophy when trained with adequate volume and proximity to failure. Consistent training over 8–12 weeks produces visible changes in most beginners.

Are bodyweight squats enough for glute growth?

Initially yes, especially if you use deeper ranges of motion, pause at the bottom, slow tempo, and progress to single-leg variations. Once standard squats become easy (3 × 20 feels comfortable), adding resistance bands or weights will continue driving growth.

Squats for Glutes: 10 Best Exercises for a Stronger Booty

The best squat exercises for glutes target the gluteus maximus through deep hip flexion, a wide stance, or both. By choosing the right variation and training close to failure, you can build and shape your glutes at home without any equipment.

Why Squats Work for Glutes

The gluteus maximus is the primary hip extensor — it powers the “standing up” phase of every squat. Research from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that deeper squats (hip crease below knee line) activate the glutes 25–35% more than half squats.

Key factors that increase glute activation in squats:

Depth — the deeper you squat, the more your glutes stretch and load.
Stance width — wider stances shift emphasis from quads toward glutes and adductors.
External rotation — pointing toes out 30–45° increases glute recruitment.
Pause at the bottom — eliminates momentum and forces glutes to do the work.
Band resistance — a loop band above the knees cues constant glute abduction.

10 Best Squat Exercises for Glutes

Bodyweight (No Equipment)

1. Deep Bodyweight Squat (Full ROM) Descend as low as your mobility allows — ideally hips well below knees. The deeper bottom position stretches the glutes maximally.

Glute focus: ★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 12–15

2. Sumo Squat (Wide Stance) Feet 1.5× shoulder-width apart, toes at 45°. Targets glutes and inner thighs with less quad dominance.

Glute focus: ★★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 12–15

3. Pulse Squat (Bottom Pulses) Hold at the bottom of a squat and pulse 2–3 inches for each rep. Keeps constant tension on glutes without lockout rest.

Glute focus: ★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 12 (3 pulses per rep)

4. Squat-to-Kickback Perform a bodyweight squat, then at the top, extend one leg straight behind you (hip extension). Alternate legs each rep.

Glute focus: ★★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 10 each leg

5. Curtsy Squat Cross one foot behind the other at an angle, then squat. Targets the gluteus medius (upper glute shelf) and improves stability.

Glute focus: ★★★★ (emphasis on side glute)
Sets × Reps: 3 × 10 each side

With Resistance Band or Light Weight

6. Banded Sumo Squat Place a loop band above your knees during a sumo squat. Press your knees outward throughout — the band forces constant glute medius activation.

Glute focus: ★★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 12–15

7. Goblet Squat (Deep) Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell at your chest, squat below parallel. The front-load shifts your center of mass back, allowing deeper hip flexion and more glute stretch.

Glute focus: ★★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 10–12

8. Bulgarian Split Squat (Rear Foot Elevated) Elevate your rear foot on a couch or step. All glute load concentrates on the front leg. One of the highest single-leg glute activators available.

Glute focus: ★★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 10 each leg

9. Squat Walk (Lateral Band Walk Hybrid) Hold a half-squat position with a band above knees, then step sideways for 10 steps each direction. Burns the glute medius.

Glute focus: ★★★★ (side glute emphasis)
Sets × Reps: 3 × 10 steps each direction

10. Jump Squat (Glute Power) Descend into a deep squat, then explode upward squeezing your glutes at the top. Builds glute power and elevates heart rate.

Glute focus: ★★★★
Sets × Reps: 3 × 8–10

At-Home Glute-Focused Squat Workout (20 Minutes)

Exercise	Sets	Reps	Rest
Sumo squat (warm-up)	2	12	30 s
Deep bodyweight squat	3	15	40 s
Curtsy squat	3	10 each	40 s
Pulse squat	3	12	35 s
Squat-to-kickback	3	10 each	40 s
Jump squat (finisher)	2	8	—

Total time: ~20 minutes. Frequency: 3–4 days per week for growth.

Tips to Maximize Glute Activation

Squeeze at the top — consciously contract your glutes at full hip extension before the next rep.
Mind-muscle connection — research shows that focusing attention on a muscle increases its activation by up to 22% (Calatayud et al., 2016).
Go deeper — never sacrifice depth for reps. Partial squats are quad-dominant.
Point toes out — 30–45° external rotation opens the hips and loads the glutes.
Track progress — progressive overload is what drives growth, not just “feeling the burn.”

How to Do Bodyweight Squats — Proper Form Guide — master the basics first.
Squat Workout Guide — all squat types, sample plans, and progression.
At-Home Bodyweight Squat Workouts — full-body squat routines at all levels.
30-Day Squat Challenge — build the habit with a daily plan.
Squat Counter App — track your glute sessions automatically.