Build a rounder butt with weights!

Written by Shoshana Pritzker Tuesday, 18 May 2010 20:53

Q


Megan,

I have a very girl question for you... how do I work my butt?! I want rounder but nothing that looks like I'm padding my pants or something! I've heard squats will just make it bulky, so I'm not sure what to do. Thanks!

Kiley


A

Kiley,

This question has actually come through a lot, but since you mentioned a specific exercise and myth associated with it, I wanted to finally tackle it in my column.

Squats will not necessarily give you a bulky butt. In the same way that most women say they don't want to lift weights because they don't want to get "too big," it's really just wishful thinking. If putting on muscle were that easy, we would see a lot more men and women in better shape. It takes meticulous effort both while working out and with nutrition to add even small amounts of muscle, so most general fitness enthusiasts definitely don't have to worry about too much size.

Squats are actually wonderful exercises to work your back side, as are lunges. Before I started having problems with my knees from stress fractures, those were two of my favorite exercises, and I think they will do well for your wishes, too. Give them a shot, I think you'll enjoy!

Lastly, keep in mind your diet needs to be in check for your body to flow the way you want it. We can't choose where our body fat puts itself, so the best thing to do is just eat properly, exercise right and keep our body composition at a level we are happy with.

Take care!

Megan

Megan Jendrick is a two-time United States Olympian with three Olympic medals. She is also the co-author of the swimming for fitness book, Get Wet, Get Fit.

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