If frigid temperatures make you long for swimsuit season, now’s the time to start getting your body ready. A tight rear end and trim waistline will help you look like a swimsuit model when the weather warms up. Fitness trainer Tina Gee demonstrates exercises that will shape and firm your bottom.
Hip Lift
Targets butt. Lie on a mat, face up with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart, arms at your sides. Pull your abs in; lift hips by squeezing glutes tight. Do three sets of 15.
Squat
Targets butt and thighs. Stand with feet shoulder- width apart, arms at your sides. (You can add some dumbbells in each hand.) Squat down, lowering your hips as if you were going to sit in a chair. Be sure to keep your back straight and your weight on your heels. Look straight ahead and pull in your abs. Hold for a few seconds and then return to starting position to complete one rep. Do three sets of 12 repetitions.
Lunge
Targets quads, glutes and adductors. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart while holding dumbbells in each hand. Step forward with your right foot and bend both knees until the right thigh is parallel to the floor and the left knee approaches but never touches the floor. Push off your front foot to return to the start position and repeat, alternating legs each time. Do three sets, 15 repetitions on each leg.
Leg Raise
Targets butt. Position yourself on all fours with knees in line with hips and elbows directly under your shoulders. With hips square, press right leg up and back, knees rotated out; keep a slight knee bend. Maintain torso position as you bring right knee in toward your shoulder. Do 15 repetitions; repeat on left leg.
