Love Your Lower Half

The ABsolute best firming exercises for your backside.

What you Need:

• medium resistance band
• a set of 5-to 10 lb dumbbells and a chair (optional)

How to do it: Do 8 to 12 reps of each exercise on each side Do the entire routine twice through three times a week on nonconsecutive days. For quicker results: Do 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps every other day and add 30 to 60 minutes of cardio, like walking, jogging, cycling most days of the week.

Side Leg Lifts

Lie on right side with legs stacked, right arm bent and head supported on right hand, left hand resting on floor in front of chest for balance. Raise left leg about 2 feet, keeping foot flexed and squeezing butt.

Pause, then slowly lower. Complete all reps, then switch sides.

Make it harder: Double up (see smaller picture)

Banded Shuffle

Stand with feet a few inches apart, and tie elastic band in loop around

shins, hands extended to front at shoulder level. Step about 3 feet to right, then bend knees and sit back until thighs are almost parallel to floor, keeping knees behind toes. Staying low, step left foot to follow. Take two more shuffle steps to right, then switch directions and repeat.

My most fave: Balancing Squat

Balance on right foot, left knee bent with foot lifted a few inches off floor in front. Keeping back straight, slowly sit back into right leg, bending right knee about 45 degrees. Pause, then press into right heel to stand up. Complete all reps, then switch sides.

(The smaller pic makes it easier for those starting out)

Another one of my faves:

Single Leg Deadlift

Balance on right foot, with knee soft and hands on hips, left leg lifted behind. With abs tight and back straight, hinge forward from hips, lowering left hand toward right foot. Pull through right leg to return to standing. Do all reps on right leg, then switch sides. To add something extra to this move reach both hands to floor, dumbbell in each hand.

*Don't forget to stay hydrated during a workout*

*Don't overdo it... you will get there soon enough*

*Most of all envision.a.new.YOU!!!