All Health’s Breaking Loose:

It’s all about your jeans. How they feel, fit, and hug the curves of your butt. Even if you’ve paid the Lucky (Brand) price of well over a hundred dollars, if you can’t get them comfortably buttoned, they’re going to feel unlucky.

No matter what the chosen method of exercise, for many of us, the target area is our “behind.” If you’ve hit a plateau and can’t seem to get those last few pounds off your rear end, it’s time to up the anti.

Strengthening and tightening the gluteus maximus helps to lift it. The most efficient exercises that help achieve this are squats and lunges. Proper technique is important so you don’t waist your time or strain your knees.

For an effective body-sculpting squat, stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and toes turned outward. Don’t be afraid to widen your stance; a wider stance creates less strain on the knees. Stay upright; keep your ribs above your hips and your tummy drawn in. Keep your shoulders back as you try to elongate the spine. Press through your heels as you lower your hips toward the floor and return. If you’ve been doing them and not seeing the results you want, add some additional weight for more resistance.

A forward lunge begins with a big step forward with your right foot. Stay upright keeping your shoulders above your hips and your weight over your right heel. Use your leg strength to dip towards the floor, making sure your back knee doesn’t bend more than 90 degrees, and return. After a set, repeat on the other side.

A set should have from 10-15 repetitions using enough weight to keep your perceived exertion at about a 7 from a scale of 1-10. Beginners start with no weight and may add it when it becomes easier. Repeat 2-3 sets of squats and lunges-two to three times a week. Your “tush” won’t appear firm if there’s a layer of fat wiggling around on top of the muscle, AKA; “puppies under a blanket.” Make sure your workout has enough cardio to burn off excess fat.

Gregory Joujn-Roche, trainer to Leonardo DiCaprio and Toby Maguire agrees; Pilates, ballet and martial arts are other great methods of tush toning. I incorporate all of the above in my mind and body-sculpting class at the Community Center on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Wishing you a perky backside and great fitting jeans.

Love & health, Loa

LOA BLASUCCI is a certified sports nutritionist, personal trainer and fitness instructor.