Five Exercises for a Killer Backside

I don't know what's going on with you, my friends, but I've been getting a LOT of requests lately for exercises on how to tighten your buns. Apparently Fall's upon us and you've got plans for that bodacious behind! So without further adieu, here's the killer butt workout you requested (and for those of you who didn't, I'm pretty sure you'll like it, too).

The Plan: Incorporate the following best backside exercises in your regular strength routine and you'll burn fat, shape and firm your booty, sculpt surrounding muscle groups, and rev up your metabolism.

1. Kettlebell Swings
Don't have a kettlebell? Grab an 8 to 15 pound dumbbell instead. Kettlebell swings combine strength and cardio training to redefine your backside. In addition to toning your glutes and hip flexors, you'll work your core and cardiovascular system (an all-in-one exercise). Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart.  Place the kettlebell or dumbbell about one foot in front of you.  Push your hips backward, with a slight bend in the knee (shins almost vertical) and reach forward, placing both hands on the weight.  From your "hike position" (hips pushed backward, back flat, and chest out) hike the weight behind you, with a purpose (don't let go). Drive your hips forward, while contracting your glutes and tucking your tailbone under, to swing the weight (always above the knees) until you are standing at "attention" with your hands about chest height. Keep this up for a minute.

Important Tips: Always make sure to keep your abs tight (this will keep your lower back protected).  Keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine.  Always drive the swing with your hips and NOT your arms.  If the weight ever gets too far out in front of you, never reach for it- just let it drop!

2. Lunges
Ah, the things I love to hate. Lunges are a workout staple that will firm your butt and tone your legs. Start with your feet hip width apart then step forward with one leg. Keeping your abs tight, chest high, and spine straight, sink down into the move until your front thigh is parallel to the floor and your back knee is almost touching the ground. Concentrate on squeezing your glutes as you push through your front heel back to the starting position. Repeat for one minute on the same leg, then switch legs for another minute.

Important Tip: Don't let your moving knee extend past your toes.

3. Step Ups
This is a great exercise for your butt as well as your quads and calves. Step ups also increase your heart rate so you'll get the extra benefit of fat-blasting cardio. Stand with your right foot firmly planted on a step or a bench, your left foot on the floor. Push down through your right heel to straighten and stand on your right leg, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. At the same time, pull your left leg forward and up, knee bent 90 degrees and raised waist-high. Lower your left leg back to the ground, then step your right foot down. Alternate legs for 1 minute. Make it harder by holding weights in each hand!

4. Hip Extensions
Like lunges, hip extensions can be performed anywhere and without equipment. The key to this movement is positioning your weight so that your butt does the brunt of the work, not your legs. On your hands and knees, you'll focus the main effort in your glutes and lower back without involving your hamstrings. Tighten your core and squeeze your butt to lift one leg toward the ceiling, keeping the 90 degree bend and flexing your foot so you're reaching with your heel as you raise your thigh in line with your spine. Keep the movement slow and controlled to the top and then back down again. You know the drill: 1 minute each leg.

5. One-Legged Deadlifts
One of my favorite booty-builders, one-legged deadlifts do triple duty by activating your muscles for a highly effective toning session that works your butt, hamstrings, and lower back. Holding a kettlebell/dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet hip width apart, knees soft. Keeping your weight firmly on your left leg, lean forward from your hips, reaching the dumbbells toward your left foot and raising your right leg out behind you. Remember to keep your core tight and not round your back. Now stand straight, squeezing your glutes as you come back to start. Do this for 1 minute before switching to your right leg for the second half of the set.