All butts are made of muscle. They also hold fat. A truly remarkable backside has a healthy combination of the two. You can improve even the most well-proportioned butt by performing simple exercises -- or bigger-butt remedies -- in your own home.

Squat and Hold

The squat is a classic exercise that works many muscles in your lower body, including those in the butt. Models, athletes and fitness professionals have used squats for decades to accentuate the butt muscles. Perform a traditional squat with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips and torso until you have reached roughly a 90-degree angle in both your hip and knee joints. Hold the position for 10 seconds or as long as possible so that your knees do not buckle inward or past your toe line. Extend your hips up using your glute and quadriceps muscles while maintaining a straight spine.

Glute Bridges

The American Council on Exercise recommends glute bridges to specifically target the butt muscles. Glute bridges also rely heavily on your core muscles to stabilize your hip and spine alignment. Plant your heels on the floor in a lying position with your toes pointing toward the sky. Extend your hips up while keeping your head and back on the floor with a slight arch. At the top of the movement, squeeze your glutes before lowering your hips back to the floor. Glute bridges are adaptable exercises that can yield additional results when you perform them using only one leg or on a stability ball.

Squat Thrust Jumps

The squat thrust jump taps several dynamic movements to target your butt muscles. Plant both of your hands on the floor and in one swift but controlled movement, kick your feet back into a pushup position. On the return phase, thrust your feet back up toward your hands and propel your body into the air with explosive force. Aim to do so with the muscles in your lower body supplying the power and those in your upper body creating stability.

Pigeon Pose

Yoga positions -- like the Pigeon pose -- provide a cooldown after a workout. They also improve muscle strength and endurance in your butt. Position one leg extended straight back with the other forming an acute angle at the knee joint. Maintain a straight spine, using your arms to stabilize yourself. The Pigeon pose works to stretch the glutes and hip flexors, increasing blood flow to the targeted area.

About the Author

Jamison Hill is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, nutritional specialist and group fitness instructor. He has competed as a natural bodybuilder and is seeking certification as a strength-and-conditioning specialist. Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Sonoma State University.

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