Kelly Ripa's 'hockey butt' fitness goal prioritizes strength over size

Kelly Ripa has opened up about her latest fitness goal—building stronger glutes. On Live with Kelly and Mark, she explained why a well-developed backside isn’t just about looks but also long-term health. Her husband, Mark Consuelos, has been supportive of her heavy lifting routine, even as she admits results take time. Ripa recently began a heavy weight training phase to strengthen her glutes. She clarified that her aim isn’t a bigger butt but a stronger one, calling it an 'athlete’s butt' or 'hockey butt'. According to her, this type of muscle development helps with longevity and reduces the effects of ageing.

On the show, Ripa highlighted the health risks of sitting too long, which can lead to 'pancake butt' or 'dead butt syndrome'. The latter occurs when glutes weaken and fail to activate properly. She stressed that strong glutes act as shock absorbers for joints and can ease lower-back pain. Consuelos chimed in, encouraging her progress and noting that visible changes won’t happen overnight. He praised her dedication, saying she’s on the right track. Ripa also pointed out that the gluteus maximus is key to core strength, reinforcing its importance beyond aesthetics.

Ripa’s focus on glute strength ties into broader health benefits, from better posture to injury prevention. Her routine reflects a growing awareness of how muscle development supports mobility and ageing. For now, she continues lifting with her long-term fitness goals in mind.