You may have noticed them on athletes or in fitness photos: two distinct dimples located on the lower back, just above the glutes. These natural indentations have sparked a lot of curiosity and questions about what they are and what they mean. Contrary to some popular belief, they are not a rare or mystical feature but a normal part of human anatomy related to the underlying structure of your pelvis.
These indentations are formally known as sacral dimples or, more poetically, Venus dimples. They are created by a short ligament that connects the skin on your back to your pelvis. Their visibility is primarily determined by genetics and the specific structure of your sacroiliac joint. Essentially, they are a testament to your unique bone structure, and for some people, they are simply more pronounced than for others.
While genetics play the leading role, your overall body composition can affect how visible these dimples are. A lower body fat percentage can make them more defined, as there is less tissue covering the area. Furthermore, building muscle in the lower back and glutes through targeted exercises can enhance the surrounding area, potentially making these natural indentations more noticeable. So, while you can’t fundamentally change your skeletal structure, a focused fitness and nutrition regimen can help accentuate this natural feature.