I’m in LA visiting my parents for Christmas. It’s so great to be here: relaxing, eating, relaxing, eating, eating. So it’s a good thing I’m starting a new workout regimen (to support my holiday diet).
I thought I’d share a few of my favorite butt toners from the 36-wk workout program I’m creating for busy mums.
Chair: Stand, feet mostly together, big toes touching. Exhale as you bend your knees, moving your bottom down and back as though sitting on a chair. Keep your knees over your toes (don’t let them go past your toes). Tuck your pelvis and think of extending it down into the ground as you reach up through the top of your head. Tighten your tummy and work towards keeping your back straight. For added intensity, lift your arms above your head, elbows in line with your ears, palms facing in. Hold for 5-10 breaths x 2.
Speed skates: Stand feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent. Squat then extend your right leg as you lift your left leg back at a 45 degree angle like you’re speed-skating. Squat. Then extend your left leg as you lift your right leg back at a 45 degree angle. Continue switching legs. Add in arms if you’d like. Breathe out as you extend your leg backwards. Do 10-15 reps per leg x 2.
Lunge-back kicks: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Take a big step backward with your left leg, bend your right knee so your thigh is parallel to the ground, keeping your shoulders over your hips.
Make sure your right knee doesn’t go past your right toes. Your left heel should be off the ground, pushing back towards the ground. Lift your left leg up, then back to your lunge. Complete reps on this side. Switch legs, lunging back with your right leg, kicking up with your right leg. D0 10-15 reps per leg x 2.
I love these exercises because while they target some of my favorite muscles, they also do a great job at an overall body workout. If you want to increase the intensity pick up some dumbbells.
