Why fitness bros are embracing the ‘big butt' trend
We've all heard the joke – that 'glute days' were something straight men skipped, and even mocked.
The focus was always on having big arms or a six-pack, because that's what women liked.
But now, straight men around the world are no longer neglecting their backsides and are focusing on exercises to give them a 'shelf-like butt'.
Fitness bros are now fighting to use the hip thrust machine and swapping chest presses for dead lifts.
Meanwhile, thousands of men are flocking to pilates classes, which is only adding to the idea that they're more focused on their glutes than ever.
And the fact that over 400 men in the U.S. had Brazilian butt lifts last year backs this up – pun intended.
Even brands are embracing the trend, launching male butt-enhancing leggings, underwear, and chinos.
'It was once laughed at,' said fitness coach John Rusin to GQ.
'And now people are standing in line at commercial centres to use the hip thrust machine.'
Social media feeds reflect this change, with male fitness influencers talking directly to their followers about how to grow their glutes.
But why has this shift occurred, and what are the potential fitness benefits?
Reason behind the shift
Like with most fitness trends, there's no one single reason for the change.
Some fitness buffs simply want to look good from all angles.
For others, it's about how stronger glute muscles help power other exercises, from lifting to running.
For some, like Sydney-based gym-goer Jake, 35, growing his glutes was all about helping his lower back issues.
'I knew that I needed to grow my glutes to strengthen my lower back area,' he told news.com.au.
'The bigger glutes I gained from my rehab exercises were never a priority, but a nice bonus.'
Rusin says this isn't an uncommon story.
Strong glutes are known to help you move better: protect the knees; support the hips; and reduce lower back pain.
'Whether you're a man or woman, you can't afford not to train them,' he explained.
Another reason for the shift is that male aesthetic trends often follow queer trends, and gay men have long appreciated a good butt.
And the GQ writer suggests that female preferences are changing too, with 81 per cent of women who date men saying they 'love a good man butt'.
Gyms are catching onto this shift, with companies like F45 now adding more glute-focused training to their workouts.
'We're adding more unilateral movements like single-leg RDLs and split squats, as well as sled pushes and hip-dominant step-ups. This is becoming more popular,' a spokesperson for F45 told the outlet.
Tide is turning
Jake says he's embracing the trend and will keep prioritising lower-body training.
But he notes there has long been a stigma around these types of exercises for guys in his fitness community.
'I think focusing on glutes specifically has always come with a bit of a giggle,' he said.
'There's this idea that no one wants to be thought of as the guy who wants a good booty.
But if you're skipping leg day, you're missing out – and you'll be the guy on the beach in summer too afraid to wear budgie smugglers.
'Drop the ego and drop your third upper body day of the week.'
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