Hip Dip Exercises

18 science-backed exercises to build the gluteus medius and reduce hip dip appearance. Step-by-step guides for every movement.

Bodyweight (8)

beginner

Fire Hydrants

The rotational movement of fire hydrants isolates the gluteus medius with minimal stress on other joints. Excellent for beginners....

3 sets of 15 per side · none
beginner

Side-Lying Leg Lifts

Pure gluteus medius isolation. This exercise directly targets the muscle sitting in the hip dip area with zero equipment needed....

3 sets of 20 per side · none
beginner

Clamshells

A controlled rotational movement that isolates the hip abductors. Add a resistance band to increase difficulty as you progress....

3 sets of 20 per side · optional: resistance band
beginner

Glute Bridges

Builds the entire glute complex including the gluteus medius. The foundation exercise for hip dip improvement....

3 sets of 15 · none
beginner

Donkey Kicks

Targets the gluteus maximus and medius with a simple, effective movement pattern....

3 sets of 15 per side · none
beginner

Frog Pumps

A glute isolation exercise that places the hips in an externally rotated position, targeting the gluteus medius uniquely....

3 sets of 20 · none
intermediate

Curtsy Lunges

The diagonal stepping motion of curtsy lunges directly targets the gluteus medius — the muscle in the hip dip area. One of the most effectiv...

3 sets of 12-15 per leg · none
intermediate

Single-Leg Glute Bridges

An advanced progression of the standard glute bridge that doubles the load on each glute. Excellent for addressing asymmetry....

3 sets of 10 per leg · none

Banded (4)

beginner

Banded Lateral Walks

Creates constant tension on the gluteus medius. One of the best exercises for hip dips when done consistently....

3 sets of 20 steps each direction · resistance band
intermediate

Banded Clamshells

Adding a resistance band to clamshells dramatically increases gluteus medius activation....

3 sets of 15 per side · resistance band
intermediate

Banded Fire Hydrants

Combines the rotational benefits of fire hydrants with added resistance for faster muscle growth....

3 sets of 12 per side · resistance band
intermediate

Banded Glute Bridges

Adding a band to glute bridges forces the gluteus medius to work harder to prevent knee valgus....

3 sets of 15 · resistance band

Weighted (6)

advanced

Barbell Hip Thrusts

The king of glute exercises. Heavy loading of the hip thrust builds significant gluteus medius mass, filling the hip dip area....

3 sets of 8-12 · barbell, bench
intermediate

Cable Kickbacks

Isolates the gluteus medius with constant cable tension throughout the full range of motion....

3 sets of 12-15 per leg · cable machine, ankle strap
intermediate

Dumbbell Sumo Squats

The wide stance of sumo squats shifts emphasis to the gluteus medius and inner thighs....

3 sets of 10-12 · dumbbell
intermediate

Romanian Deadlifts

Builds the posterior chain — glutes and hamstrings — creating a fuller hip appearance....

3 sets of 10-12 · dumbbells or barbell

Workout Guides

FAQ

What are the best exercises for hip dips?
Curtsy lunges, fire hydrants, side-lying leg lifts, clamshells, and barbell hip thrusts are the most effective. These exercises target the gluteus medius — the muscle that sits in the hip dip area.
How long until hip dip exercises show results?
Visible improvement typically appears after 4-8 weeks of consistent training (3-4 sessions per week). Maximum natural results are achieved after 6-12 months.
Can you fix hip dips with exercise alone?
Exercise can reduce hip dip appearance by 20-40% through muscle building. Hip dips cannot be completely eliminated because they are primarily caused by bone structure.
How often should I train for hip dips?
Train 3-4 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Overtraining does not accelerate results — the muscle needs recovery time to grow.
Do squats help hip dips?
Standard squats primarily target the quadriceps and gluteus maximus with minimal gluteus medius activation. Wide-stance sumo squats are more effective for hip dips.

Start Your Hip Dip Exercise Journey

18 exercises with step-by-step guides. See results in 4-8 weeks with consistent training.

View All Exercises →