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Im sure this has been discussed before, but couldnt find it.
I work out very well, and can do just about anything, BUT I do have a problem with my 2 lowest discs in my back. I can NOT do squats due to this. What are great alternatives to squats for building a powerfull butt???? I hear in building glutes, everyone says, "squats, squats, squats". Seeing I can not put heavy weight on my shoulders because of my back, i need a better way.
I know that lunges are good also. How effective are squats with dumbells at my side???
As for leg presses. . .whats the most effective "position" for targeting the butt???
Thanks guys.

floor bridges, ball bridges, tube walking

Sorry you can't do squats. That is one of my very important staples in the gym.
If you can do dumbbell squats that's good. Do the best you can while keeping your spine safe with the heaviest weight you can handle.
I would first start off with leg presses. If you want to focus more on your butt you should place your feet as high up as possible. The more you keep your feet in line with your butt (meaning the lower you position your feet on the platform, the more you'll work your quads). If you place your feet higher you will focus more on glutes and hamstrings. Just don't over exaggerate the positioning as to compromise your back.

Good luck.

Seated leg press perhaps? At least your back is protected and it works the glutes. I can't think of any other alternatives right now.

I'd recommend trying front squats. Here are a couple sites that talk about them...

http://stronglifts.com/7-benefits-of-the-front-squat/

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/OlympicLifts/FrontSquat.html

http://www.straighttothebar.com/2006/10/holding_the_bar_in_the_front_s.html

A lot of gyms will also have a glute machine. You might try looking for one.

Depending on how much weight you can handle without putting any strain on your lower back, you can do lunges. Possibly hack squats?

I limit the amount of weight I do with squats because the only serious injury I ever had was a sciatic nerve pull from doing too much weight in my squat sets. So I do the lunges with dumbbells and the hack squat. The seated leg press is another option--it certainly puts less stress on the lower back.

seated leg presses are a non-funtional exercise..they do not carry over to real life activities.


http://www.expertvillage.com/video/2112_core-exercises-shoulder-bridge.htm

floor bridges!!!

try bodyweight squats or one leg pistol squats

one leggers are dope and if ur a first timer u aint duin more than 5

We have a machine at the gym for trap shrugs, that I will use for squats if my back is giving me problems for the day. Works well If I grab the lower handles. Kind of the same as dumbell squats.

AWESOME guys. . .thanks alot. . .