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[Definitive Guide] The Most Effective Hip-Up Training — A Curated Home Workout You Can Rely On

Highly effective hip-up training exercises

A common trap for people aiming for a lifted, firmer butt is simply “doing workouts without a clear plan.”
In reality, even the same exercise can produce very different results depending on your technique and mindset.

In this article, we’ll explain practical, home-friendly training methods that maximize hip-up results.

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If you’re new to hip-up training, you may also find this article helpful:

What Is Hip-Up Training? Tips for Achieving Your Ideal Hip Line in the Shortest Time

       

Supervising Editor

       

Shunsuke Yasuda

Hommachi Main Store

  • NSCA-CPT (Certified Trainer by NSCA)
  • Level 1 Diet Certification

Worked at ECC Corporation before gaining experience at a major personal gym. Currently self-employed.

       

The Most Effective Hip-Up Exercise

The best exercise for hip-up, in our opinion, is the Bulgarian split squat.

How to perform a Bulgarian squat step 2

Why Bulgarian Split Squats Are So Effective

Because they’re performed on one leg, Bulgarian split squats train multiple glute muscles at once.

They also help correct left-right imbalances, making it easier to build a balanced and lifted shape.

How to do it correctly

How to perform a Bulgarian squat step 1

Place a chair or platform behind you, rest the toes of one foot on it, and step forward with the other foot.

How to perform a Bulgarian squat step 2

Slowly lower your hips, then push through the front foot to stand back up.

  • Gluteus maximus (main glute muscle)
  • Hamstrings
  • Quadriceps
  • Gluteus medius
  • Gluteus minimus
  • Adductors
  • Core (abs, obliques, erector spinae)
Trains each side independently for balanced results
Beginners: 8–10 reps × 2 sets
Intermediate: 10–12 reps × 3 sets
Advanced: 8–10 reps × 3 sets
  • Don’t lean too far forward
  • Push through your front heel
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This exercise is highly effective, but only if your form is correct.
Mastering proper form should be your top priority.

Here are highly effective hip-up exercises that beginners can easily do at home.

Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Hip-Up Exercises

Rank Exercise Benefits Recommended reps
1 Hip Lift Adds roundness and improves hip line 15–20 reps × 3
2 Back Kick Builds shape and prevents sagging 15–20 reps per leg × 3
3 Clamshell Tightens the side of the glutes 15–20 reps per leg × 3

Hip Lift

How to perform a hip lift step 1

Lie on your back on the floor, bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, place your feet flat on the floor, and rest your hands by your sides.

How to perform a hip lift step 2

Lift your hips until your knees, hips, and shoulders form a straight line.
Hold for 3 seconds, then slowly lower.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Hamstrings

Lifts the lower glute to create a smoother hip line

15–20 reps × 3 sets
  • Make sure to really squeeze your glutes!
  • Focus on squeezing your glutes — not your lower back.

Back Kick

How to perform a back kick exercise step 1

Get on all fours.

How to perform a back kick exercise step 2

Lift one leg backward slowly.
Raise until you feel the glutes engage, then slowly return.
Switch legs after 10 reps.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Hamstrings
Creates roundness and prevents sagging
15–20 reps per leg × 3 sets
  • Stop where you feel your glutes working — don’t lift too high.
  • Avoid arching your lower back.

Clamshell

How to perform a clamshell exercise step 1

Lie on your side with knees bent at 90°.

How to perform a clamshell exercise step 2

Keep your feet together and open your top knee like a clamshell.
Hold for 1–2 seconds, then slowly close.

  • Gluteus medius
  • Gluteus minimus
  • Deep external rotators (a group of six muscles located deep in the glutes)
Tightens the side of the glutes and improves leg shape
15–20 reps per leg × 3 sets
  • Keep your body stable and focus on using the side glute muscles.
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By incorporating a variety of exercises, you can give your muscles different types of stimulation and develop them evenly.

Also, it prevents you from getting used to the same movements, making it easier to continue without getting bored.

[Stay Motivated & Get Results Fast] Hip-Up Training Variations

To help you stay motivated, here are several effective hip-up exercises you can choose based on your goals and mood.

  1. Bulgarian Split Squat
  2. Romanian Deadlift (great for defining the boundary between glutes and legs)
  3. Hip Thrust (excellent for muscle growth with heavy loads)
Difficulty Exercise Home/Gym Muscles worked Why it’s effective Recommended reps Common mistakes
Beginner Goblet Squat Home Quads & glutes Trains thighs and glutes together 10–15 reps × 3 Rounded back, knees forward
Intermediate Sumo Dumbbell Squat Home Inner thighs & glutes Tightens inner thighs and glutes 10–15 reps × 3 Knees collapsing inward
Intermediate Single-Leg Hip Thrust Home Glutes & hamstrings High lifting effect 12–15 reps per leg × 3 Arching back
Advanced Single-Leg Straight Deadlift Home Glutes, hamstrings & core Strengthens hip line deeply 8–12 reps per leg × 3 Losing balance

Goblet Squat

How to perform a goblet squat step 1

Hold a bottle or light dumbbell at chest level.
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width.

How to perform a goblet squat step 2

Keep your back straight and lower your hips.

How to perform a goblet squat step 3

Make sure your knees don’t go past your toes, then stand back up.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Quadriceps
Trains thighs and glutes together for a slimmer lower body
8–12 reps × 3 sets
  • Keep your back straight and push your hips back.

Sumo Dumbbell Squat

How to perform a sumo dumbbell squat step 1

Stand with feet wide and toes pointed outward.
Hold a dumbbell (or bottle) in front of your body.

How to perform a sumo dumbbell squat step 2

Lower your hips while keeping your back straight.
Ensure your knees follow the direction of your toes, then stand back up.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Adductors
  • Quadriceps
  • Hamstrings
Tightens inner thighs and glutes for a sharper hip line
8–12 reps × 3 sets
  • Push your hips back to increase effectiveness.

Single-Leg Hip Thrust

How to perform a single-leg hip thrust step 1

Sit with your upper back against a sofa or bench.

How to perform a single-leg hip thrust step 2

Place one foot on the floor and extend the other leg forward.

How to perform a single-leg hip thrust step 3

Press through the grounded foot to lift your hips.
Lower slowly and repeat.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Hamstrings
Targets the glutes for lifting and shaping
12–15 reps per leg × 3 sets
  • Squeeze your glutes at the top and keep your back straight.

Single-Leg Straight Deadlift

How to perform a single-leg straight-leg deadlift step 1

Stand on one leg and extend the other leg behind you.

How to perform a single-leg straight-leg deadlift step 2

Keep your back straight and hinge forward.
When you feel your glutes stretch, return slowly.
Add a dumbbell once you’re comfortable.

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Hamstrings
  • Core
Strengthens deep glute muscles and improves hip line
8–12 reps per leg × 3 sets
  • Practice near a wall for balance, and keep your back straight.

Example Training Programs

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Gym Machines Can Also Be Great for Hip-Up

Gym machines are easier to control than free weights, making them a safe option for beginners.

Machines like the leg press, leg curl, and hip abduction efficiently target the glute muscles and are highly recommended for those who want to enhance hip-up results.

If you want safe and guided training, consider personal training.

Why You Might Not Be Seeing Results (and What to Do About It)

Woman concerned about sagging buttocks

Many people feel like they’re doing everything right but still aren’t seeing results.
Here are the most common reasons and solutions.

Why Your Hip-Up Training Isn’t Showing Results

  1. Incorrect form
  2. Not feeling the muscle working
  3. Low training frequency
  4. Not enough load
  5. Poor nutrition support
  6. Not enough recovery
Cause Symptoms Solution
Incorrect form
  • Pain in lower back or knees
  • No feeling in target muscle
  • Use light load and check movement
  • Use a mirror
  • Ask a trainer
Not feeling the muscle
  • No fatigue after training
  • Place hands on the muscle before training
  • Focus on contraction and extension
  • Use light load
Low frequency
  • Training only once a week
  • Aim for 2–3 times a week
  • Leave 48+ hours between sessions
Not enough load
  • No fatigue after training
  • Increase reps or load gradually
  • Choose a load that feels hard in the last few reps
Poor nutrition
  • No muscle growth despite training
  • Increase protein intake
  • Check calorie intake
  • Balance nutrition
Not enough recovery
  • Constant fatigue
  • Get 7–8 hours of sleep
  • Take 1–2 rest days
  • Reduce stress

When You Can Expect Results from Hip-Up Training

Woman measuring her hip circumference with a tape measure

Results vary, but here’s a typical timeline:

4 weeks Begin to feel muscle firmness
8 weeks Visible changes start to appear
12 weeks Clear changes and closer to your ideal shape

  • Train 2–3 times per week
  • Keep correct form
  • Eat enough nutrition, especially protein
  • Get 7–8 hours of sleep

7 Tips to Maximize Hip-Up Training

Woman imagining toned and lifted hips

Knowing the exercises alone isn’t enough to effectively lift your hips.
These 7 key points will greatly boost your training results.

Focus on the target muscle (Mind-Muscle Connection)

This is the most important point.
Focusing on the muscle you want to train increases stimulation and results.

For example, during squats, feel your glutes contracting and stretching—this alone can make a big difference.

Before starting, place your hand on the target muscle to feel its position and movement.

Use correct form

If your form collapses, the wrong muscles get worked and you risk injury.

Start with light load and practice slowly.
Use a mirror or trainer if possible.

Move slowly without momentum

Using momentum reduces effectiveness and increases injury risk.
Try 2 seconds up and 3–4 seconds down.

Hold at the peak contraction

Hold the hardest position for 1–2 seconds to increase stimulation.

Breathe correctly

Holding your breath increases blood pressure and injury risk.
Exhale on exertion (lift/push), inhale on return (lower/release).

Make training a habit

Consistency is key.
Aim for 2–3 sessions per week for at least 4–8 weeks.

Follow progressive overload: increase reps or load gradually.

  • Weeks 1–2: Perform the basic number of reps (e.g., 15 reps per exercise).
  • Weeks 3–4: Increase the number of reps (e.g., 20 reps per exercise).
  • From Week 5 onward: Increase the load (use dumbbells or resistance bands).

Eat enough protein

Muscles grow only with training + nutrition.
Protein is essential.

Aim for 1.6–2.0g per kg of body weight.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hip-Up Training Results

What is the most effective exercise for hip-up?

Bulgarian split squat.
It trains multiple glute muscles effectively.

How many weeks until results appear?

Most people see visible changes in 8–12 weeks.

Is it okay to do hip-up training every day?

Not recommended.
Train 2–3 times per week and leave 48 hours between sessions.

I’m worried my butt will get bigger.

Training does not always mean getting bigger.
Low to moderate load can lift and shape without increasing size.

Can I do hip-up training at home without equipment?

Yes.
Hip lifts, back kicks, and clamshells are highly effective without equipment.
As you progress, adding dumbbells or bands can help.

Summary

To maximize hip-up results, you need correct form, muscle awareness, consistency, nutrition, and recovery.

Choose exercises that match your level and keep progressing.

Beginner: Focus on form
Intermediate: Increase load
Advanced: Use gym equipment for further muscle growth

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If you’re serious about hip-up in Osaka, trust FIT HIVE.

We’ll create the best plan for your goals and guide you with correct form to reach your ideal hip shape quickly.

Reserve a Free Trial Training

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