Exercises for a Better Butt: Side Leg Raises

I read an article recently in which a trainer said that 99% of the women he works with want to have tighter buns. I can’t say this surprised me, since the media is constantly highlighting who has the best back side and fitness magazines are full of routines that claim to give you a tighter tush. I think it’s safe to say that whatever the shape of our butt, chances are most of us want to improve it. With this in mind, I’m going to do a series over the next few Wednesdays called “Exercises for a Better Butt” that shares simple moves we can do at home to help us tone that region.

My goal in doing this series is not so that we compare ourselves with the celebrities and have unrealistic goals, but instead so that we feel confident in the bodies God has given us. We each have unique curves that make us beautiful, and I think it’s more about how we feel after doing exercises and feeling good in our own skin than having that so called “perfect butt” that we see plastered all over advertisements.

This week we’ll start with classic side leg raises. Leg raises not only work your butt and thighs, but they also strengthen your hip flexors, lower abs, and lower back muscles, helping to lower your risk for back injuries.

Alright, so here’s my challenge for us: Each night before you go to bed, do 50 leg raises on each side. Feel free to break them up, or do them all at once.

Side Leg Raises:

1. Lie on your left side with your left arm supporting your head. Slightly bend your left knee. 

2. Slowly raise and lower your right leg, while keeping your knee straight and right thigh tightened. Perform 50 repetitions. 

3. Turn over and repeat with your left leg. 

After we master this, we’ll try another move next week!

Question: What’s your all time favorite move to shape up your booty? 

Have a great Wednesday! I get to see my baby girls today at another ultrasound, so I’m definitely looking forward to my day! 🙂

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!