Elite Glute Training by Body Type & Weight Class

The Ultimate Glute Training Guide: Build the Glutes You Actually Want

By Xavier The Trainer, Owner of DXTheTrainer

Your glutes aren't just muscle—they're your power source, your confidence booster, and the key to unlocking your best physique. But here's what most trainers won't tell you: not every glute exercise works for every body. Some will light your glutes on fire, others will leave you wondering if you even have glutes. The difference isn't effort—it's strategy.

I believe your workout should work as hard as you do. That means understanding your unique body type, recognizing why certain exercises might not "hit" the way they should, and knowing exactly which movements will transform your glutes from afterthoughts to showstoppers.

Why Your Glutes Matter More Than You Think

Your glute complex—gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus—does far more than fill out your jeans:

• Stabilizes your pelvis for injury-free movement

• Generates explosive power for every athletic endeavor

• Improves posture and protects your spine from breakdown

• Creates visual balance that enhances your natural proportions

But here's the reality check: weak, underdeveloped glutes are sabotaging your results. Whether you're chasing strength, aesthetics, or performance, neglecting targeted glute training means leaving your potential unrealized.

Identify Your Body Type: The Foundation of Smart Training

Female Body Types & Weight Classes

Body Type (Somatype)	Weight Class Ranges	Key Characteristics
Hourglass (Mesomorph)	115–145 lbs / 145–175 lbs / 175–200+ lbs	Bust ≈ hips, sharply defined waist. Fat distributes evenly.
Pear (Endomorph)	120–150 lbs / 150–180 lbs / 180–220+ lbs	Hips > shoulders. Fat stores in hips/thighs.
Apple (Endomorph)	130–160 lbs / 160–190 lbs / 190–230+ lbs	Waist > bust/hips. Fat concentrates in midsection. Slender legs.
Rectangle (Ectomorph)	100–130 lbs / 130–160 lbs / 160–190+ lbs	Shoulders ≈ hips ≈ waist. Minimal curves.
Inverted Triangle (Mesomorph)	125–155 lbs / 155–185 lbs / 185–210+ lbs	Shoulders > hips. Upper-body dominant.
Diamond (Endomorph)	140–170 lbs / 170–200 lbs / 200–240+ lbs	Widest at waist, narrow shoulders/hips. Poor posture common.

Male Body Types & Weight Classes

Body Type (Somatype)	Weight Class Ranges	Key Characteristics
V-Taper (Mesomorph)	150–180 lbs / 180–210 lbs / 210–240+ lbs	Shoulders > hips. Lean, athletic "V-taper."
Ectomorph	120–150 lbs / 150–180 lbs / 180–210+ lbs	Shoulders ≈ hips. Low muscle mass, linear frame.
Core-Heavy (Endomorph)	160–190 lbs / 190–220 lbs / 220–260+ lbs	Thick torso, narrow hips/legs. Fat in midsection.
Hip-Dominant (Endomorph)	140–170 lbs / 170–200 lbs / 200–230+ lbs	Hips > shoulders (rare). Fat in hips/thighs.
Oval Midsection (Endomorph)	170–200 lbs / 200–230 lbs / 230–270+ lbs	Full midsection, slim limbs. Slouched posture.

How to Identify Your Body Type

Follow these steps:

1. Take Measurements

   • Female: Compare bust, hips, waist

   • Male: Compare shoulders, hips, waist

2. Assess Fat Storage Patterns

   • Upper body dominant vs. lower body dominant

3. Check Posture and Muscle Balance

   • Rounded shoulders, neutral posture, or upper/lower dominance

The Truth About "Feeling the Burn" in Your Glutes

Ask yourself this: When you do glute exercises, do you actually feel them in your glutes?

If your answer is "sometimes" or "not really," you're not alone. Many people struggle to feel glute exercises where they should because:

Muscle Recruitment Patterns Vary by Body Type

• Quad-dominant individuals (often Rectangle/Ectomorph types) naturally recruit their quads first

• Hip-flexor tight people (common in Apple/Core-heavy types) struggle with glute activation

• Hamstring-dominant movers (typical in Pear/Hip-dominant shapes) may feel everything in their hamstrings instead

Anatomical Differences Matter

• Longer femurs change squat and lunge mechanics

• Hip socket depth affects range of motion

• Muscle fiber distribution influences which exercises "click"

Movement Compensation Patterns

• Your body will find the path of least resistance

• If your glutes are weak, other muscles take over

• Poor ankle mobility can shift load away from glutes

The bottom line? If you're not feeling an exercise in your glutes, it's not necessarily the wrong exercise—it might just need modification for YOUR body.

Complete Glute Training Programs by Body Type and Weight Class

FEMALE TRAINING PROGRAMS

HOURGLASS (Mesomorph) - Maintain Symmetry

Light Class (115-145 lbs) - BEGINNER Goal: Build lifted, rounded glute base to enhance curves Nutritional Focus: +200 cal surplus for muscle gain

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Bodyweight Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

• Lateral Band Walks: 3 sets of 12 steps per side

• Bodyweight Squat: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

• Donkey Kicks: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Wall Sits: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

• Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Standing Hip Abduction: 3 sets of 12 per side

• Glute Squeeze Hold: 3 sets of 10-second holds

WORST EXERCISES:

• Wide-stance squats (can make hips appear wider)

• Heavy back squats (may compress waist definition)

Exercise Cues:

• Glute Bridge: "Squeeze your glutes like cracking a walnut at the top"

• Lateral Walks: "Feel the burn in the side of your glutes"

• Squats: "Sit back like reaching for a chair behind you"

If You're Not Feeling It:

• Bridge: Place feet closer together, slow down the tempo

• Walks: Increase band tension, take smaller steps

• Squats: Try a wider stance with toes pointed out

Medium Class (145-175 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Goal: Increase glute size and definition for balanced proportions Nutritional Focus: Maintenance for recomp

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Barbell Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

• Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell): 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Cable Kickbacks: 3 sets of 12-15 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Single-Leg Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Banded Monster Walks: 3 sets of 10 steps each direction

If You're Not Feeling It:

• Hip Thrust: Adjust foot placement, focus on squeezing at top

• RDL: Keep bar closer to legs, think about hip hinge not knee bend

• Split Squat: Elevate front foot on a plate for deeper range

Heavy Class (175-200+ lbs) - ADVANCED Goal: Maximize glute strength and size for powerful look Nutritional Focus: -300 cal deficit for fat loss

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Barbell Hip Thrust (Heavy): 3 sets of 4-8 reps

• Sumo Deadlift: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8-10 reps per side

• Weighted Step-Ups: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Deficit Deadlifts: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Walking Lunges (Weighted): 3 sets of 12 steps

• Curtsy Lunges (Weighted): 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Pause Hip Thrusts: 3 sets of 6 reps (3-second pause)

Self-Reflection Questions for Hourglass:

• Am I maintaining my natural waist definition while building glutes?

• Are my glutes growing proportionally to keep my hourglass shape?

• Do I feel confident in my balanced proportions?

PEAR (Endomorph) - Upper Body Focus

Light Class (120-150 lbs) - BEGINNER Nutritional Focus: +300 cal surplus (upper focus)

PRIMARY EXERCISES FOR PEAR:

• Single-Leg Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 12 reps per side

• Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Lateral Band Walks: 3 sets of 12 steps per side

• Step-ups (bodyweight): 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Fire Hydrants: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Standing Hip Abduction: 3 sets of 12 per side

• Wall Sits: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

• Bird Dog: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

WORST EXERCISES FOR PEAR:

• Sumo deadlifts (can exaggerate hip width)

• Wide-stance squats (emphasizes already-prominent hip area)

• Heavy hip thrusts (may add unwanted lower body mass)

Medium Class (150-180 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Nutritional Focus: -200 cal deficit (lower maintenance)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Bulgarian Split Squat: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Cable Pull-throughs: 3 sets of 12 reps

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 10 reps

• Lateral Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Banded Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Step-ups (weighted): 3 sets of 8 reps per side

Heavy Class (180-220+ lbs) - ADVANCED Nutritional Focus: -400 cal deficit + upper volume

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Deficit Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Cable Kickbacks: 3 sets of 12 reps per side

• Weighted Step-ups: 3 sets of 6-8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Curtsy Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust (weighted): 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Lateral Step-downs: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Banded Monster Walks: 3 sets of 12 steps each direction

Self-Reflection Questions for Pear:

• Am I building upward lift rather than outward width?

• Is my glute training helping balance my upper/lower proportions?

• Do I feel more confident in my overall silhouette?

APPLE (Endomorph) - Core Health Focus

Light Class (130-160 lbs) - BEGINNER Nutritional Focus: -400 cal deficit (insulin focus)

PRIMARY EXERCISES FOR APPLE:

• Glute Bridges: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

• Wall Sits: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

• Standing Hip Abduction: 3 sets of 12 per side

• Bird Dog: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Dead Bug: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Standing Marches: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Seated Band Abduction: 3 sets of 15 reps

WORST EXERCISES FOR APPLE:

• Heavy back squats (can compress spine, emphasize midsection)

• Overhead loaded exercises (may strain lower back)

• High-volume ab work (can thicken waist)

Medium Class (160-190 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Nutritional Focus: +Zone 2 cardio + core work

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Hip Thrusts (moderate weight): 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Step-ups: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Cable Pull-throughs: 3 sets of 12 reps

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 10 reps

• Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Pallof Press: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Farmer's Walks: 3 sets of 30 seconds

Heavy Class (190-230+ lbs) - ADVANCED Nutritional Focus: Phased deficit (avoid cortisol)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Trap Bar Deadlift: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Weighted Step-ups: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Cable Kickbacks: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Sumo Deadlift (moderate weight): 3 sets of 8 reps

• Lateral Lunges: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Turkish Get-ups: 3 sets of 3 reps per side

• Suitcase Carries: 3 sets of 30 seconds per side

Self-Reflection Questions for Apple:

• Are my glute exercises improving my posture?

• Am I building lower body strength to balance my frame?

• Do I feel less back pain with stronger glutes?

RECTANGLE (Ectomorph) - Build Mass

Light Class (100-130 lbs) - BEGINNER Nutritional Focus: +300–400 cal surplus (carbs)

PRIMARY EXERCISES FOR RECTANGLE:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

• Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Hip Thrusts (light weight): 3 sets of 12-15 reps

• Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Box Squats: 3 sets of 12 reps

• Sumo Deadlift (light): 3 sets of 10 reps

• Step-ups: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Banded Squats: 3 sets of 15 reps

WORST EXERCISES FOR RECTANGLE:

• Bodyweight-only exercises (insufficient stimulus for shape change)

• High-rep, low-weight training (won't build curves)

• Excessive cardio (interferes with mass building)

Medium Class (130-160 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Nutritional Focus: Heavy compounds (Starting Strength approach)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Barbell Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 8-10 reps

• Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8-10 reps

• Bulgarian Split Squat: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Weighted Step-ups: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Back Squats: 3 sets of 8-10 reps

• Stiff Leg Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps

• Reverse Lunges (weighted): 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

Heavy Class (160-190+ lbs) - ADVANCED Nutritional Focus: Recomp (40% carbs, 30% protein)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Heavy Hip Thrusts: 3 sets of 4-6 reps

• Deficit Deadlifts: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Heavy Bulgarian Split Squats: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Weighted Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Pause Squats: 3 sets of 6 reps

• Trap Bar Deadlift: 3 sets of 6 reps

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift (heavy): 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Weighted Curtsy Lunges: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

Self-Reflection Questions for Rectangle:

• Am I using enough resistance to actually build shape?

• Is my training creating the curves I want?

• Am I being patient with the transformation process?

INVERTED TRIANGLE (Mesomorph) - Lower Body Balance

Light Class (125-155 lbs) - BEGINNER Nutritional Focus: +200 cal surplus (lower focus)

PRIMARY EXERCISES FOR INVERTED TRIANGLE:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

• Glute Bridges: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

• Lateral Band Walks: 3 sets of 12 steps per side

• Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Wall Sits: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

• Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Step-ups: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Standing Hip Abduction: 3 sets of 12 per side

WORST EXERCISES FOR INVERTED TRIANGLE:

• Upper body emphasis during lower body days

• Light isolation work (won't create needed lower body mass)

Medium Class (155-185 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Nutritional Focus: Mobility work (Knees Over Toes)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Hip Thrusts: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

• Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 10 reps

• Bulgarian Split Squat: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Sumo Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Lateral Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Weighted Step-ups: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

Heavy Class (185-210+ lbs) - ADVANCED Nutritional Focus: Maintenance + plyometrics

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Heavy Hip Thrusts: 3 sets of 4-6 reps

• Deficit Deadlifts: 3 sets of 6 reps

• Heavy Bulgarian Split Squats: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Jump Squats: 3 sets of 6 reps

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust (heavy): 3 sets of 5 reps per side

• Plyometric Lunges: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

• Weighted Jump Squats: 3 sets of 5 reps

Self-Reflection Questions for Inverted Triangle:

• Am I building glute strength to support my athletic frame?

• Is my lower body keeping up with my upper body development?

• Do I feel more balanced overall?

DIAMOND (Endomorph) - Posture Focus

Light Class (140-170 lbs) - BEGINNER Nutritional Focus: Anti-inflammatory diet (Brain Energy)

PRIMARY EXERCISES FOR DIAMOND:

• Glute Bridges: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

• Wall Sits: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

• Standing Hip Abduction: 3 sets of 12 per side

• Bird Dog: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Dead Bug: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Clamshells: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

• Cat-Cow Stretch: 3 sets of 10 reps

• Prone Y-T-W: 3 sets of 8 reps each

WORST EXERCISES FOR DIAMOND:

• Heavy spinal loading (back squats, overhead press)

• Exercises that worsen posture

• High-impact movements

Medium Class (170-200 lbs) - INTERMEDIATE Nutritional Focus: Stress management + deloads

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Hip Thrusts (light-moderate): 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Step-ups: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Cable Pull-throughs: 3 sets of 12 reps

• Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 10 reps

• Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Band Pull-aparts: 3 sets of 15 reps

• Farmer's Walks: 3 sets of 30 seconds

Heavy Class (200-240+ lbs) - ADVANCED Nutritional Focus: Recomp (40% protein, low carb)

PRIMARY EXERCISES:

• Trap Bar Deadlift: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Single-Leg Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 6-8 reps per side

• Turkish Get-ups: 3 sets of 3 reps per side

• Weighted Step-ups: 3 sets of 6 reps per side

ALTERNATIVE EXERCISES:

• Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps

• Suitcase Carries: 3 sets of 30 seconds per side

• Pallof Press: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Single-Leg Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 8 reps per side

Self-Reflection Questions for Diamond:

• Is my glute training improving my posture?

• Do I feel stronger and more confident in my body?

• Are my glutes helping support better movement patterns?

MALE TRAINING PROGRAMS

V-TAPER (Mesomorph) - Lower Body Balance

Light Class (150-180 lbs) Goal: Build glute strength to support athletic proportions Nutritional Focus: +300 cal surplus (explosive power)

BEST EXERCISES:

• Bodyweight Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

• Lateral Band Walks: 3 sets of 12 steps per side

• Bodyweight Squat: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

• Kneeling Kickbacks: 3 sets of 15 reps per side

WORST EXERCISES:

• Excessive isolation work (can create imbalances)

• Neglecting compound movements

Exercise Cues:

• Bridge: "Squeeze glutes hard, think about tilting pelvis up"

• Band Walks: "Keep knees aligned over toes"

• Squats: "Chest up, weight in heels"

Medium Class (180-210 lbs) Goal: Increase glute size and strength for athletic balance Nutritional Focus: Mobility drills (Hip Openers)

BEST EXERCISES:

• Barbell Hip Thrust: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

• Romanian Deadlift (Barbell): 3 sets of 10-12 reps

• Dumbbell Walking Lunge: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

• Cable Pull-Through: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Heavy Class (210-240+ lbs) Goal: Maximize glute strength and size for powerful physique Nutritional Focus: Maintenance + stretch cycles

BEST EXERCISES:

• Barbell Hip Thrust (Heavy): 3 sets of 4-8 reps

• Trap Bar Deadlift: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

• Bulgarian Split Squat (Barbell): 3 sets of 8 reps per side

• Deficit Sumo Deadlift: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

Self-Reflection Questions for V-Taper:

• Am I building glute strength to support my athletic frame?

• Is my lower body keeping up with my upper body development?

• Do I feel more powerful in athletic movements?

ECTOMORPH - Muscle Mass Focus

Light Class (120-150 lbs) Nutritional Focus: +400 cal surplus (The Renaissance Diet)

BEST EXERCISES FOR ECTOMORPH:

• Compound movements with progressive overload

• Weighted exercises from the start

• Consistent volume and frequency

• Heavy hip thrusts and deadlifts

WORST EXERCISES FOR ECTOMORPH:

• Excessive cardio (interferes with muscle building)

• Bodyweight-only routines (insufficient stimulus)

• High-volume, light-weight training

Medium Class (150-180 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Heavy compounds (Trap Bar DL)

Heavy Class (180-210+ lbs) Nutritional Focus: Recomp (40% carbs)

Self-Reflection Questions for Ectomorph:

• Am I eating and resting enough to support muscle growth?

• Is my training intense enough to force adaptation?

• Am I being patient with the muscle-building process?

CORE-HEAVY (Endomorph) - Midsection Fat Loss

Light Class (160-190 lbs) Nutritional Focus: -400 cal deficit (Why We Get Sick)

BEST EXERCISES FOR CORE-HEAVY:

• Hip-hinge dominant movements (RDLs, hip thrusts, good mornings)

• Single-leg exercises (reduce spinal loading)

• Glute-focused isolation

• Farmer's carries for core stability

WORST EXERCISES FOR CORE-HEAVY:

• Heavy back squats (can compress spine, worsen posture)

• Overhead loaded movements (may strain lower back)

• High-impact exercises

Medium Class (190-220 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Farmer's carries + Zone 2

Heavy Class (220-260+ lbs) Nutritional Focus: Phased deficit (avoid HIIT)

Self-Reflection Questions for Core-Heavy:

• Is my glute training improving my posture and reducing back pain?

• Am I building strength that supports my daily activities?

• Do I feel more balanced front-to-back?

HIP-DOMINANT (Endomorph) - Upper Body Strength

Light Class (140-170 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Maintenance (35% protein)

BEST EXERCISES FOR HIP-DOMINANT:

• Upper body integration during glute training

• Compound movements that build overall mass

• Focus on glute medius for hip stability

• Romanian deadlifts for posterior chain

Medium Class (170-200 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Heavy shrugs + Meadows rows

Heavy Class (200-230+ lbs) Nutritional Focus: Recomp (leucine timing)

OVAL MIDSECTION (Endomorph) - Posture & Stress Resilience

Light Class (170-200 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Anti-inflammatory (Brain Energy)

BEST EXERCISES FOR OVAL MIDSECTION:

• Posture-correcting movements

• Core-stable exercises

• Glute activation for better movement patterns

• Turkish get-ups for full-body integration

WORST EXERCISES FOR OVAL MIDSECTION:

• Heavy spinal loading

• Exercises that worsen rounded posture

Medium Class (200-230 lbs) Nutritional Focus: Turkish get-ups + sauna

Heavy Class (230-270+ lbs) Nutritional Focus: Deloads every 6 weeks

Exercise Modifications: When You're Not Feeling It

Hip Thrusts Not Working?

Try These Modifications:

• Foot placement: Move feet closer or farther from your body

• Tempo: Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase

• Range of motion: Focus on the top squeeze, not bottom stretch

• Pre-activation: Do glute bridges first to "wake up" the glutes

Cues to Try:

• "Drive through your heels"

• "Squeeze your glutes at the top like you're cracking a walnut"

• "Push the floor away with your feet"

Squats Not Hitting Your Glutes?

Try These Modifications:

• Stance width: Experiment with narrow, moderate, and wide stances

• Toe angle: Point toes out 15-30 degrees

• Depth: Go deeper if mobility allows

• Tempo: Pause at the bottom for 2 seconds

Cues to Try:

• "Sit back into a chair"

• "Spread the floor apart with your feet"

• "Keep your chest proud and knees tracking over toes"

Romanian Deadlifts Not Working?

Try These Modifications:

• Grip width: Try narrow, shoulder-width, or snatch grip

• Bar path: Keep the bar close to your legs

• Hip hinge: Think about pushing your hips back, not bending forward

• Foot pressure: Feel your weight in your heels

Cues to Try:

• "Push your hips back like you're trying to close a car door with your butt"

• "Keep the bar glued to your legs"

• "Feel the stretch in your hamstrings and glutes"

Progressive Training Templates by Experience Level

Beginner Protocol (0-6 months training)

Frequency: 2x per week Focus: Movement quality and glute activation Rep Range: 12-20 reps Rest: 60-90 seconds between sets

Intermediate Protocol (6-18 months training)

Frequency: 2-3x per week Focus: Progressive overload and exercise variety Rep Range: 8-15 reps Rest: 90-120 seconds between sets

Advanced Protocol (18+ months training)

Frequency: 3-4x per week Focus: Specialization and peak performance Rep Range: 4-12 reps (varies by exercise) Rest: 2-3 minutes between compound sets

Self-Assessment Questions for Your Glute Journey

Before Each Workout, Ask Yourself:

• What am I trying to accomplish today—strength, size, or activation?

• Which exercises have been working best for my body type and weight class?

• Am I feeling these movements where I should?

• What modifications do I need based on how I'm feeling today?

• Does my nutrition align with my body type's focus area?

Weekly Progress Check:

• Are my glutes visibly changing the way I want them to?

• Is my strength increasing in my key exercises?

• Am I feeling more powerful in daily activities and sports?

• Does my training match my current goals, body type, and weight class?

• Am I following the nutritional guidelines for my somatype?

Monthly Evaluation:

• Have I been consistent with frequency and progressive overload?

• Do I need to adjust my exercise selection based on what's working?

• Are my nutrition and recovery supporting my glute training goals?

• Should I advance to the next training level or modify my current approach?

• Is my body composition moving in the right direction for my body type?

The Honest Questions:

• Am I actually training hard enough to see results?

• Am I being patient with the process, or expecting overnight changes?

• Do I understand that building glutes takes time and consistency?

• Am I focusing on what works for MY body type, not what works for others?

• Am I eating appropriately for my somatype and weight class goals?

Your Personalized Action Plan

Step 1: Identify Your Complete Profile

• Body type (with somatype): _______________

• Current weight class: _______________

• Training level: _______________

• Primary goal: _______________

• Nutritional focus: _______________

Step 2: Select Your Foundation Exercises

Choose 3-4 exercises from your body type's "BEST" list that you can perform with good form and align with your somatype characteristics.

Step 3: Create Your Schedule

• Beginner: 2 days per week

• Intermediate: 2-3 days per week

• Advanced: 3-4 days per week

Step 4: Implement Nutritional Strategy

Follow the specific caloric and macronutrient guidelines for your body type and weight class.

Step 5: Track and Adjust

Monitor your workouts weekly and ask yourself the reflection questions. Adjust based on what you discover about your body's responses and somatype characteristics.

The DXTheTrainer Difference

At DXTheTrainer, I don't believe in cookie-cutter programs or one-size-fits-all solutions. Your glutes are as unique as your somatype, and they deserve a training approach that honors your individual genetic predispositions, metabolic characteristics, and aesthetic goals.

Whether you're an ectomorph Rectangle trying to build mass, an endomorph Apple focusing on core health, or a mesomorph Hourglass maintaining symmetry, your program should reflect these realities.

Ready to build the glutes you actually want? The exercises are here, the nutritional guidelines are clear, the modifications are detailed, and the roadmap is laid out. All that's left is your commitment to the process and honesty about what your body type is telling you.

Your glutes are waiting. Let's make them impossible to ignore.

Need personalized guidance? Visit dxthetrainer.com or contact me for customized programming that's built specifically for your body type, somatype, and weight class goals.

DXTheTrainer: Precision. Power. Results.Own your shape. Build your strength. Let's make it happen.