You don't get a high, tight butt by sitting on it — just ask certified fitness trainer Amanda Lee (
- Squat With Side Leg Raise
How to do it: Stand with your feet about shoulders-width apart, feet facing forward, and hands grasped together at chest-height. From this position, bend your knees to sink into a deep squat, keeping your shoulders over your hips. As you extend the legs to come back up to a standing position, shift your weight into your left heel and raise your right leg straight out to the side. Release the leg to the floor with control to complete one rep. Complete 25 reps, then switch sides.
Challenge: Hold a 9- to 15-pound weighed bar on your shoulders for 10 to 12 reps.
- Swaying Bridge
How to do it: Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor with your arms along your sides and palms pressed into the floor. From this position, lift your hips to raise your butt off the ground. Without touching the floor, alternate between raising your left hip then your right hip to complete one rep. Complete 25 reps.
Challenge: Hold a 9- to 15-pound weighed bar or plate across your lap for 10 to 12 reps.
- Squat Pulse
How to do it: Stand with your feet about shoulders-width apart with your feet facing forward and bend your knees to come into a deep squat position. Rise up about three inches, then sink back down to complete one rep. Pulse for 25 reps.
Challenge: Hold one 8- to 12-pound dumbbells in each hand.
- Clams
How to do them: Lie on your left side with your left hand supporting your head, your right hand on the mat in front of you, and your knees bent and stacked. Bring your legs forward to align your knees and your hips. Keeping your toes together, lift your top knee and lower it with control. Complete 25 reps, then switch sides.
Challenge: Wear 1-pound ankle weights and extend the top leg.
- Lifted Clams
How to do them: Lie on your left side with your left hand supporting your head, your right hand on the mat in front of you, and your knees bent and stacked. Bring your legs forward to align your knees and your hips. Lift your feet up off the ground. Keeping your toes together, open your knees your top knee and close them to complete one rep. Complete 25 reps, then switch sides.
- Straight Leg Donkey
How to do them: Get onto all fours with your wrists underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. From this position, extend the left leg straight out behind you. Squeeze the butt as you raise the leg straight up and lower it to starting position with control to complete one rep. Complete 25 reps, pulsing at the top of the last rep for 15 counts. Then repeat on the opposite side.