Those two small dimples on the lower back, just above the buttocks, are commonly known as Venus dimples in women and Apollo dimples in men. Medically, they’re called sacral or lumbosacral dimples. They appear where the pelvis meets the spine, specifically at the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS).
These indentations form naturally because the skin in that area is directly attached to underlying ligaments, creating a slight dip.
For a long time, they were thought to be purely genetic—you either have them or you don’t. While genetics still play a big role, factors like body fat percentage and muscle tone can influence how visible they are. People with lower body fat and stronger muscle definition tend to show them more clearly.
If you want to enhance their appearance, certain exercises can help by strengthening the lower back, glutes, and core:
- Back extensions improve lower back definition
- Deadlifts target the entire posterior chain
- Glute bridges and hip thrusts shape and lift the glutes
- Planks and side planks strengthen the core
- Superman exercise directly engages lower back muscles
While you can’t fully control whether you have these dimples, building strength and reducing excess body fat can make them more noticeable.
