Have you ever noticed two small indentations on your lower back, just above the buttocks? If you have, you might be one of the people who naturally have what are called Venus dimples, also known as “dimples of Venus.” These tiny, symmetrical indentations are often associated with beauty, attractiveness, and good health. They’re named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, which gives you a pretty good idea of the positive connotations they’ve carried for centuries. While some people are born with them, others notice they become more defined when they reach a certain level of physical fitness or maintain a lower body fat percentage. These dimples aren’t just limited to women, though. In men, they’re often called Apollo holes, named after Apollo, the Roman god of strength and athleticism. No matter the name or gender, these dimples tend to spark curiosity and even admiration, as they’re commonly viewed as a symbol of health and vitality.
Venus dimples form because of a ligament that connects the skin to a part of your pelvis known as the posterior superior iliac spine. This connection creates a small depression, which appears as a dimple. Not everyone has this anatomical feature, and it largely comes down to genetics. If your parents have them, there’s a better chance you might have them too. However, even people who weren’t born with very noticeable dimples might see them develop or become more prominent with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. These dimples often stand out more in individuals who have a lower body fat percentage and well-defined muscles, particularly around the lower back and hips.
While Venus dimples are often admired for their aesthetic appeal, there’s more to them than just looks. Some people believe they are linked to better blood circulation in the pelvic area. According to this belief, the presence of Venus dimples could be a sign of good blood flow, which may contribute to improved sexual health, including heightened sensitivity and potentially easier orgasms. While there isn’t extensive scientific research to back up every claim, there’s no denying that many people view these dimples as a marker of good health, physical fitness, and even sexual vitality.
For men, the equivalent dimples—known as Apollo holes—carry much of the same significance. They are often associated with strength, athleticism, and robust health. Some fitness experts say that the presence of these dimples can indicate strong core muscles and a well-maintained physique. Since they’re typically easier to spot in people who have lower levels of body fat, they are often considered a subtle indicator of someone who’s physically fit and active. People who spend time working on their core strength, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in cardiovascular activities are more likely to see these features become more pronounced over time.
One important thing to understand is that Venus and Apollo dimples are entirely natural. They can’t be created artificially through exercise alone, although toning and strengthening the lower back muscles can certainly enhance their appearance if the dimples are already present. Cosmetic surgery can create similar indentations, but these procedures are relatively rare and not without risks. Most people who have Venus dimples have them because they were born with the right genetic traits. That said, leading a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and maintaining an appropriate body weight can definitely make these natural features more noticeable.
Whether you have Venus dimples, Apollo holes, or neither, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is unique. While these little lower back dimples are often celebrated as symbols of beauty and health, they’re just one of many physical features that make up who we are. Some people love the look of them, others don’t really notice them, and some don’t have them at all—and that’s perfectly normal. However, for those who do have them, they often become a fun and intriguing conversation starter, as well as a point of pride for people who embrace the connection to health, fitness, and vitality.
In the end, Venus and Apollo dimples continue to fascinate people, whether because of their historical associations with beauty and love or because of their modern links to fitness and wellness. If you’ve got them, now you know a little more about what they mean, where they come from, and why they’re so often admired. It’s just another example of how our bodies carry little signs of our genetics, our health, and our lifestyles—sometimes in ways we never even realized.
