Daniel Rice is a personal trainer in Los Angeles. He understands the fitness trends that shape the modern male physique. In the past, men chased after washboard abs or bulky arms. Now, it’s all about strong glutes. “Today, it’s thick thighs and a bigger butt that guys want,” Rice explains. This shift shows a growing “glute-dominant culture.”
For $200 a session, he turns his clients’ untrained rears into strong glutes. While looks matter, many focus on health too. Rice incorporates exercises like hip thrusts, banded side lunges, and curtsy squats into their routines. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining leg strength as a part of overall health and longevity. “If you can climb stairs, you can have a good quality of life,” he says.
High-end gyms are adapting to this trend. Equinox reports a 17% increase in male participation in their “Best Butt Ever” classes since 2024. At the Dogpound gym, popular among celebrities, new glute-focused machines are being added to meet client demand. It’s clear that building glutes has become a fitness priority for many men.
Jake Villegas, a model from New York, shares his commitment. He trains three times a week, focusing on lower-body exercises. “It’s tough, but I enjoy the challenge,” he states. The glutes, the body’s largest muscle group, are increasingly recognized for their essential role in strength and health.
Jay Ferruggia, a trainer for men over 40, notes that well-developed glutes are now a “status symbol.” He believes that a strong rear end signals vitality, especially in middle age. On-screen, the pressure is mounting for actors to showcase toned backsides. Stars like Kit Harington and Patrick Schwarzenegger exemplify this trend.
The demand for strong glutes even extends to popular culture. When the TV show Heated Rivalry premiered, gym attendance skyrocketed as viewers sought to emulate the characters’ physiques. Marketing professional Trent Ellsworth noted his gym was buzzing with excitement as everyone wanted to train for a “hockey butt” after the show aired.
Mario Garnello, a behavioral therapist from Chicago, was inspired by the same show. He tried kettlebell squats and shared his experience on TikTok, garnering over 900,000 views. “It’s about feeling strong and effective in my workouts,” Garnello says.
Experts are now acknowledging the importance of glute strength. Dr. Benito Villanueva, a specialist in longevity, emphasizes how strong glutes improve overall health. They enhance how our bodies manage energy and glucose, leading to better health outcomes over time. Strength coach Ashley Borden warns that neglecting glute training can lead to undesirable changes, like developing a “Dad Bod.”
Personal trainers like Rice are seeing clients invest heavily in their fitness. Adam Drawas, 45, spends around $1,600 a month on peptides to enhance his training. He’s dedicated to maintaining the physique he worked hard to achieve.
Rob Thompson, a trainer in L.A., notes that many of his clients, including business executives, focus on lower body strength. They understand that building glutes helps with posture and overall agility. “It’s not just about looks; it’s about longevity,” he explains.
Middle-aged men are embracing strength training with a renewed focus on glute workouts. Thomas Chou, 53, switched from casual to more intense training. He enjoys the newfound agility that comes from building his lower body. “Now I run around the lake instead of just walking,” he proudly declares.
In a world where fitness culture continues to evolve, it’s clear that a strong backside is not just a trend—it’s a pathway to health and longevity. Emphasizing glute strength could very well reshape our understanding of fitness and well-being.
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