…stiffen the abs and keep your back in a neutral position with no sagging or arching. Slowly draw one knee up. Rotate the hip to bring the leg toward the torso, then away.
Running Plank (Mountain Climbers)
In addition to challenging the gluteal muscles, running plank works the shoulders, hips, and core muscles. Do it quickly to burn calories while building muscle.
Form: Assume the pushup position. Engage the abdominal muscles to protect the lower back. Spread your fingers wide to protect the wrists.
Alternate bringing one knee, then the other, towards your abs, in a running motion. Adjust your pace to your fitness level. Work towards doing this for one minute.
Tone Your Tush & Hips With Cardio
In the gym, stair steppers, arc trainers, and elliptical machines are good choices to challenge the glutes and hips while giving your heart and lungs a healthy workout. Inline skating and cycling are other heart-pumping options that also tone.
Also, walking is a natural, anywhere, no-fuss lower body workout. Tackle the hills for maximum gluteal impact — and to burn a few more calories when you’re trying to lose excess body fat. On a treadmill, use a 5% to 7% incline to increase the workout.
Firm Up Without Bulking Up
Some people’s muscles rise to a challenge by bulking up. If that’s your genetic destiny — and you don’t like a pumped up look — focus on aerobic activity over weight training. Don’t crank the resistance up too high on an exercise machine.
Also, remember that targeted exercises alone are not likely to produce a smaller behind and slimmer hips, just a firmer lower body. For a more dramatic change: watch your diet, burn more calories, and lose weight. That strategy can reduce the fat pad lying over those muscles, resulting in a body that’s trimmer and tighter.
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