This no-squats workout will build glute strength with just eight moves
Hate squats? Try this glute-building workout instead
If you want to build glute strength but aren’t a fan of squats, don’t worry as there are plenty of other exercises you can do that are just as effective.
Certified personal trainer Kaitlin Heaney has created this eight-move glute strength workout and all you need to get started is a loop resistance band and a couple of dumbbells. While not essential for the workout, you can even match her look by buying her cute romper suit.
She told her 170,000 Instagram followers: "Not a single stinking squat or lunge in this one! I lowkey love lunges, though squats can kick rocks. Save this one just in case you're needing to avoid those lovely exercises in the future or just if you need a brutal glute burning workout."
Heaney recommends doing each exercise for 10-15 reps and for one to two sets. When you find the moves too easy, add a third round to make it more challenging. Make sure you warm up for at least five minutes before doing the main workout, and five to ten minutes cooling down afterward.
How to do Kaitlin Heaney's no-squat glute workout
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The importance of glute strength training
The glutes are some of the largest and most powerful muscles in the body, and because of that they play a pivotal role in movement—they help to keep us upright, propel us during walking and running, support good posture, and they are essential for balance and proper pelvic alignment.
But glutes are also prone to weakness which can lead to chronic pain and injury. A sedentary lifestyle, particularly sitting for too long, can also lead to weak glutes. If you spend a lot of time sitting down, Heaney's workout is a great way to kickstart your glute strength training. And if you don't mind squats, progress to these five expert-recommended glute exercises.
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Maddy Biddulph is a freelance journalist specializing in fitness, health and wellbeing content. With 26 years in consumer media, she has worked as a writer and editor for some of the bestselling newspapers, magazines and websites in the US and UK.
She is also a qualified L3 personal trainer and weight loss advisor, and helps women over 40 navigate menopause by improving their physical and mental strength. At Maddy Biddulph Personal Training, she runs one-to-one and small group training for menopausal women who want to get fit to ease symptoms and feel like themselves again.
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