Tighten Up that Backside

by WiredBerries Editors — February 25, 2008

There is an extremely fit-looking older woman that is always working out with her personal trainer when I'm at the gym. She seems in great spirits despite the grueling exercises, and even smiles through the endless number of lunges her trainer prescribes toward the end of their sessions. I finally asked how she stays in such a good mood and she grinned "Why wouldn't I be happy? My butt looks great!" She's right, lunges are one of the best ways to tighten and tone your backside and legs. And, you can do them just about anywhere.

Start by taking a large stride forward, and place your front foot flat on the floor. Balance on the ball of the back foot. Keeping abs tight and your back straight, bend your knees and lower until the back knee is just off the floor. Keeping your back straight, come up by putting weight on your front heel and squeezing your buttocks. Repeat on the other side, taking the time to maintain good form. To do a proper forward lunge that minimizes the risk of hurting your knees and back, make sure you don't allow your knee to move in front of the supporting foot. Start with a few slow lunges on either side, gradually building up to 15 to 20 lunges on each leg. Your jeans never looked so good!