Have you ever noticed two small indentations on the lower back, right above the buttocks? These symmetrical little dips are often called Venus dimples, named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. For centuries, people have admired them as subtle signs of attractiveness, health, and vitality. But what exactly causes these tiny features, and do they really mean anything?
How Venus Dimples Form
The secret behind Venus dimples lies in anatomy. They appear because of a ligament that connects the skin to the pelvis at a point called the posterior superior iliac spine. This natural attachment creates the visible hollows.
Although they may look like a sign of toned muscles, whether or not you have them is mostly determined by genetics. If one or both of your parents have them, there’s a good chance you might as well. They tend to be more noticeable in people with lower body fat or well-defined muscles, but you can’t “make” them appear if you weren’t born with the underlying structure.
Venus Dimples vs. Apollo Holes
While Venus dimples are most often talked about in women, men can have similar indentations too. In men, they’re sometimes called Apollo holes, after Apollo, the Roman god of strength and athleticism.
Both Venus dimples and Apollo holes have been linked—at least in cultural conversations—with good circulation, fitness, and an attractive physique. In modern wellness and fitness circles, they’re often seen as a subtle marker of health and vitality.
Can You Create Them Through Exercise?
One of the most common questions is whether you can “train” your way into having Venus dimples. The answer is not exactly. Since their presence depends on bone structure and ligaments, no workout or diet can make them appear if you don’t naturally have them.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—through balanced eating and regular exercise—can reduce body fat and strengthen muscles, making the dimples more visible in those who do have them. In other words, fitness can highlight them, but not create them.
Possible Health Connections
Beyond aesthetics, some people believe Venus dimples have ties to health and even sexuality. The dips are thought to indicate better blood flow in the pelvic area, which could enhance sexual pleasure. While scientific studies are limited and inconclusive, this belief has helped fuel their mystique across cultures.
Cultural Significance and Modern Appeal
Throughout history, small physical features like dimples—whether on the face or lower back—have often been celebrated as marks of charm and uniqueness. In art and sculpture, depictions of gods, goddesses, and athletes frequently highlighted these details as symbols of vitality and beauty.
Today, Venus dimples continue to carry that sense of allure. In fitness-focused media and social platforms, they’re sometimes showcased as a subtle badge of dedication to health and exercise. Yet their real power lies less in perfection and more in their individuality.
Embracing Uniqueness
It’s important to remember that not having Venus dimples—or Apollo holes—doesn’t make anyone less healthy or attractive. They’re just one of countless natural variations shaped by genetics. What truly matters is embracing your body’s unique features and taking care of your overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Though small, Venus dimples and Apollo holes have sparked fascination for centuries. They remind us that beauty often lies in the little details we don’t control, shaped by nature and passed through generations. Whether you view them as symbols of vitality, marks of beauty, or simply quirky traits of human anatomy, they highlight the remarkable diversity of the human body—and that’s something worth celebrating.