How To Gain Weight In Your Butt? Exercises & Diet Plan 2024

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Reviewed by Elizabeth Gonzalez Cueto, MD

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How To Gain Weight In Your Butt
The buttocks are the most powerful muscle in the human body. Photo: Nghi Tran

Scientifically[1], the buttocks are the largest and most powerful muscle in the human body. The gluteus maximus has a vital role in supporting athletic performance and proper movement. Technically, it is the body’s powerhouse. Gaining weight on the buttocks is not only for aesthetics; it can boost your exercise performance.

There are naturally curvy women with thick thighs and rounder back regions, the butt. On the other hand, others have to put in the work to achieve one of the most envied weight gain, the glute.  Building buttocks requires dedication and commitment to a strict diet plan and butt-oriented workouts. If you are on the weight loss journey, need to lose that stubborn belly fat, and still have a thick and firm butt, this article can offer help. Suppose you have never worked out before and need more body weight on your butt and thigh regions; keep reading; this article is also for you. This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to gain weight in the butt by taking nutritious foods and exercise performance.

Can You Gain Weight In Butt?

Gaining weight in the buttocks is possible. Through consistent butt workouts and calorie surplus, weight gain in the body’s “sitting apparatus” can be a seamless and effective process. Increasing calorie intake is mandatory if you are trying to gain weight on the glute muscle and hip muscles. Also, since you can control where the gained body fat goes, more calories, a consistent workout routine, and a healthy lifestyle can help you gain muscles evenly. This article will offer tips on how to gain muscles in the lower body through diet and exercise. These tips can be applied to anyone seeking to gain or lose weight since adhering to a healthy living style is vital to leading a healthy life.

how to gain weight in your butt

How To Gain More Weight In Your Butt?

Muscle recovery

If you want to increase muscle growth, it is vital to understand that your muscles need time to heal and recover after working out. Muscle protein synthesis helps in increasing muscle mass, repair, and recovery. After working out, rest up and ensure you get enough sleep[2], eight to ten hours, for muscle recovery and promoting athletic performance.

Calorie surplus

Gaining weight is heavily dependent on increased calorie intake. This increment in calories helps in supplying energy and managing body weight. Also, a surplus in calories helps you gain weight as it can be converted into muscles. Unhealthy junk food should not be a source of these additional calories. You can also calculate your calorie consumption[3] by determining the precise calorie amount needed for muscle mass.

You can increase calorie consumption by eating more meals frequently. Also, you can have a diet plan with three main meals daily and throw in several high-calorie snacks in between the day. Healthy snacks can include milk, cheese sticks, greek yogurt, fruits, and nuts. A bigger butt also requires consuming more good carbs food. For larger butt muscles, you can consume complex carbs such as oats, quinoa, lentils, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

Additionally, increasing calorie consumption for a bigger butt includes increasing protein intake. Muscle building requires proteins as they are converted into amino acids, which help in muscle growth and repair. You should increase your protein intake for bigger buttocks and thighs by consuming foods rich in proteins, such as dairy products, eggs, lean meat, chicken, and seeds. Plant-based proteins include chia seeds, lentils, beans, soy protein, and peas. Healthy fats[4] can also help increase calorie consumption, which benefits a bigger butt. The body breaks proteins into amino acids, which are used for muscle growth and recovery. Foods with healthy fats include full-fat yogurt, chia seeds, fatty fish, and avocados.

Proper hydration

Taking enough water before, during, and after post-workout is vital for replenishing electrolytes.

Butt workout regime

There are particular exercises geared towards increasing butt and thigh muscles. Such exercises include squats, hip thrusts, lunges, donkey kicks, and many more. These forms of exercise can offer increased muscle weight and other health benefits. For prominent results, be consistent and do two to three sets at least three times every week. Other workouts that can offer numerous health benefits and increase your muscle strength in the lower body include resistance training, using elliptical machines, mountain climbing, hill running, and many more.

High protein-calorie supplements.  

These dietary supplements are excellent alternatives if eating more is not an option or appealing to you. These supplements can nourish the body with nutrients, increase energy levels, and help you in gaining weight in the lower body. Suppose you are vegetarian; there are plant-based[5] dietary supplements that can increase your protein consumption.

Foods That Make Your Butt Bigger

The following are excellent options for foods if you are learning how to gain more weight in the gluteus maximus region:

  • Salmon[6] is a fatty fish and an excellent protein source. It has anti-inflammatory effects, which are vital for muscle healing and growth. It is packed with numerous omega-3 fatty acids[7], which benefit the body’s overall health.
  • Flaxseed contains bountiful omega-3 acids, vitamin B, phosphorus, and magnesium. You can increase your protein consumption[8] by taking these seeds hence an excellent option for weight gain in the lower body and building muscles.
  •  Eggs[9] contain bountiful phosphorus, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Eggs also contain leucine, an amino acid[10] that prevents muscle breakdown by promoting protein synthesis.
  • Quinoa is packed with numerous nutrients, such as the nine essential amino acids[11] that do not occur naturally in the body. It helps[12] in reducing muscle damage, increases energy levels, and enhances muscle endurance.
  • Legumes[13] such as kidney beans, peanuts, peas, and lentils can help you gain weight in the glute
  • Brown rice[14] is a complex carb that can offer additional protein consumption. It also contains bountiful BCAAs[15] which boost energy levels, reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, promote protein synthesis, and prevent muscle loss.
  • Protein shakes
  • Avocados[16] can reduce muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation and enhance fast recovery
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Greek yogurt
  • Tofu[17]
  • Nut butter[18]
  • Chicken breast[19]
  • Cottage cheese[20]
  • Tuna[21]
  • Potatoes[22]
  • tilapia[23]

Workouts To Increase The Size Of Your Buttocks

The butt is categorized as one of the largest among the body’s muscle groups[24]. This muscle is helpful for enhanced athletic performance that supports jumping, running, walking, or sitting. If you are looking for exercises on how to gain weight in your butt, below is a list:

The Glute bridge

The Glute bridge is an excellent option for beginners. It involves lying flat on your back with bent knees and palms on the ground. Contract your glute and abdominal muscles, then with your feet firmly on the ground, lift your hip off the floor. While at the top, pause for five seconds, then bring your lower body slowly to the first position. You can try fifteen reps in three sets.

Jumping squats

Jumping squats are beneficial for cardio and strengthening your lower body. In a standing position, make a squat with your arms on each side and your feet slightly parted at feet-shoulder width. Lower your body to ensure your knees are parallel to your thighs. Lift your body off the floor at least three inches. To enhance momentum, extend your arms. Squat back down softly, knees bent, and repeat. Try fifteen reps three times.

Banded side steps

Banded side steps can help you gain weight on your hips and glute muscles. In a standing position, begin by placing the resistance band a few inches below your knees, then gradually lower it down to the ankles as you get used to the workout. Bend your knees and lower your butt at least a quarter way. Step to the left with your left foot as you let the band lose tension, return to the center, then repeat. Complete ten side steps to the left, then turn to the left side. Do three sets for each side.

Clamshell

Clamshell aims to increase the gluteus minimus and medius. These belong to the same muscle group as the gluteus maximus; however, they are smaller. They are vital for balancing the lower body, preventing pain in the lower back, and stabilizing the pelvis. A clamshell is done by first lying on either of your sides, say the right side, with stacked legs, left hand on the hip, and head resting on the right arm. Bend your knees at a ninety-degree angle and ensure your feet are aligned with the butt. Lift your left knee while engaging your core, and keep your feet together. Keep the right knee on the ground with your hips stacked, and ensure the hips do not rotate back.  Pause at the top for several seconds, then slowly return to the first position.  Do fifteen reps three times, then turn to the other side.

Lifting weights

Lifting weights is good for increasing your workout intensity. You can do heavy lifting or use barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, machine balls, resistance bands, and many more. Suppose you are uncertain about how much weight you should lift when trying to gain weight. Consult your physical therapist or personal trainer.

Donkey kicks

Donkey kicks focus on all the butt muscles. Begin on your fours and ensure the knees and hips are widths apart, hands flat on the ground below your spine neutral, and shoulders. Lift your left leg from the floor after bracing your core, and ensure your foot is flat and the left knee is bent. Use your butt muscle to thrust your foot toward the sky, then stop and squeeze at the top. Ensure the hips and pelvis stay pointed towards the ground, then return to the first position. Do fifteen reps for three sets on each leg.

Conclusion

While a bigger butt can be significantly affected by genetics, butt workouts and meal plans can help you gain weight in the butt. For prominent results, be consistent with workouts and meals. Certain nutrients in foods are building blocks for increasing your hips and butt muscles. You can consult a personal trainer for recommendations on what foods and workouts you should take to gain weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an elliptical machine good for gaining weight?

It can help you build muscles, however, not bulking up. This machine can help you burn body fat along with other weight-gaining workouts.

What determines weight gaining?

Age, genetics, gender, and developmental determinants.  Other factors include physical activity, diet, and social and environmental factors.

Are protein shakes okay?

Yes, these dietary supplements are good for increasing your protein consumption which is vital for increasing muscles.

Can I shed weight and still have a firm butt?

Yes. You can combine cardio and resistance workouts to achieve these simultaneously.

Can I have a bigger butt and still eat carbohydrates?

Yes. Increase protein and carbs intake. Weight gain in the butt region requires increasing your calorie consumption.

Can men do these buttocks workouts?

Yes, workouts for firm glute are not gendered specifics.

Do I need dietary supplements?

You can take whole foods or protein supplements to increase your calorie consumption.

Should I consult a physician first?

You can consult a physical therapist or personal trainer for a professional opinion.

+ 15 sources

MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.

  1. Buckthorpe, M., Stride, M. and Villa, F.D. (2019). ASSESSING AND TREATING GLUTEUS MAXIMUS WEAKNESS – A CLINICAL COMMENTARY. International journal of sports physical therapy, [online] 14(4), pp.655–669. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670060/#:~:text=The%20Gluteus%20Maximus%20(GM)%20muscle,injury%20and%20athletic%20under%2Dperformance. [Accessed 22 Dec. 2022].
  2. Craven, J., McCartney, D., Desbrow, B., Sabapathy, S., Bellinger, P., Roberts, L. and Irwin, C. (2022). Effects of Acute Sleep Loss on Physical Performance: A Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review. Sports Medicine, [online] 52(11), pp.2669–2690. doi:10.1007/s40279-022-01706-y.
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  6. Gammone, M., Riccioni, G., Parrinello, G. and D’Orazio, N. (2018). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport. Nutrients, [online] 11(1), p.46. doi:10.3390/nu11010046.
  7. Filho, A.M.M., Pirozi, M.R., Borges, J.T.D.S., Pinheiro Sant’Ana, H.M., Chaves, J.B.P. and Coimbra, J.S.D.R. (2015). Quinoa: Nutritional, functional, and antinutritional aspects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, [online] 57(8), pp.1618–1630. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.1001811.
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  12. McGlory, C., Calder, P.C. and Nunes, E.A. (2019). The Influence of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Skeletal Muscle Protein Turnover in Health, Disuse, and Disease. Frontiers in Nutrition, [online] 6. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00144.
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  15. Buckthorpe, M., Stride, M. and Villa, F.D. (2019). ASSESSING AND TREATING GLUTEUS MAXIMUS WEAKNESS – A CLINICAL COMMENTARY. International journal of sports physical therapy, [online] 14(4), pp.655–669. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670060/ [Accessed 22 Dec. 2022].

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Madison Clarke, MBAHM
MBA in Healthcare Management
She is a professional blog post, article, researcher, and health writer. She has mastered the art of content writing by practicing for years and constantly learning. She is always ready and well equipped to write. It is always a pleasure to bring her skills to use and play her part in helping others achieve their objectives. She has 6 years of experience conducting research in Fitness and health care. She is MBA qualified and has written health content for 8+ years.

ABOUT MEDICAL REVIEWER

Elizabeth Gonzalez Cueto, MD
Medical Doctor & Medical Writer
My name is Elizabeth and I am a Medical Doctor (MBBS) with experience as a medical and research article writer, reviewer and proofreader. I have worked for the American Journal of Case Reports, the Medical Science Monitor, and Pacific Medical Training as a medical article reviewer and writer. Besides, I have worked as a medical interpreter and translator for Angel City research and SC3 Research group as a medical research assistant for several clinical trials. My academic background includes many international scientific environments like Oxford University, United Kingdom. Hannover Medical School, the University of Tours, France. the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico.
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