Top 3 Exercises for a Strong, Tight Booty

This three-exercise circuit is a simple way to get results. But be warned: Just because this is a simple routine doesn’t mean it’s easy.

While there are many effective ways to strengthen your glutes (this 30-day squat challenge is a stellar place to start!), sometimes the simplest routine is the best. Case in point? These three moves from personal trainer Chris Santo. Each of these exercises are easily modified to make easier or harder, and together, they can help you build a strong, tight booty at any fitness level.

How it works: Choose your track — beginner, intermediate, or advanced — then do one set of the suggested number of reps for each of the three exercises in your category, with little or no rest between moves. After you’ve finished the third move, repeat the entire circuit two more times for a total of three sets. Start by doing this tight booty workout twice a week, and once it starts to feel like you can breeze through the routine, step up to the next level and/or increase it to three or four times a week.

You’ll need: A pair of 5-pound dumbbells, a step bench/any elevated surface, and a stability ball

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Beginner Exercise 1: Deadlift Squat

A. Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, holding a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand at inner thighs.

B. Bend both knees 90 degrees, coming into a squat and lowering weights toward the floor.

C. Stand to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps.

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Intermediate Exercise 1: Bent-Knee Deadlift

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand at inner thighs.

B. Bend knees 30 degrees, coming into a shallow squat.

C. Keep back straight while bending forward from hips, lowering the weights toward the floor.

D. Squeeze glutes and slowly return to starting position to complete the rep.

Do 15 reps.

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Advanced Exercise 1: Balancing Deadlift

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent about 30 degrees, holding a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand.

B. Extend right leg back behind body and bend at hips to lower the weights toward the floor.

C. When returning to stand, kick right leg forward to hip height.

D. Lower leg to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

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Beginner Exercise 2: Elevated Bridge

A. Lie faceup and place feet hip-width apart on a couch or bench, knees bent between 70 and 90 degrees.

B. Press into heels and drive hips up toward the ceiling.

C. Drop hips to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps.

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Intermediate Exercise 2: Single-Leg Bridge

A. Lie faceup and place feet hip-width apart on a couch or bench, knees bent 70 to 90 degrees. Extend right leg, pointing toes.

B. Press into left heel and drive hips up toward the ceiling.

C. Drop hips to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

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Advanced Exercise 2: Stability Ball Bridge

A. Lie faceup with shoulders and arms along the edge of a couch or bench. Balance feet on a stability ball with knees bent.

B. Keep feet on the ball and drive hips up toward the ceiling, bringing them level with chest.

C. Drop hips to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps.

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Beginner Exercise 3: Lateral Step-Up

A. Stand with right side facing a step bench, holding a 5-pound weight in each hand in front of thighs.

B. Step up onto the bench sideways with right foot and squeeze glutes for 3 counts, then step down to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

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Intermediate Exercise 3: Lateral Step Extension

A. Stand with right side facing a step bench, holding a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand in front of thighs.

B. Step up sideways onto the bench with right foot, then lift left leg 45 degrees to the left side, pointing toes.

C. Hold for 3 counts, then step down to return to starting position and complete the rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

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Advanced Exercise 3: Lateral Jump

A. Stand with left side 2 to 4 feet away from a step bench.

B. Keeping arms bent at sides, squat down slightly and hop up sideways onto the step, landing on left foot.

C. Bend knees slightly to hop back to starting position, landing on right foot. That’s one rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.