It’s almost February, so that means we are all hiding extra winter “storage.” What we can’t see won’t hurt us…? Well maybe not, and it certainly doesn’t make the long haul back into shape easy.   But even in winter, there are lots of exercises you can do in the comfort of your own (warm) home.  So, clear some room and test out these butt-lifting exercises.

The Donkey Kick

You won’t feel like an ass with this move, but you will love yours in no time.

Get on your hands and knees, with wrists aligned under shoulders and knees under hips.

Draw your abs in, lift your left leg parallel to the floor, with knee bent, foot flexed.

Return to starting position and repeat 15 to 20 times.

Alternate sides.

Feel the burn!

The Plie

Can you hear the tap of your ballet teacher’s toe?  Most little girls have done one at some point or another.  And the good news is, the move hasn’t changed one bit.

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing out.

Bring your arms out straight in front of you and lower as you would into a squat.

Return to starting position and repeat. Go as low into the squat as you can without letting your knees move past your toes—otherwise known’s as the gran plie.

Be sure to tuck your tailbone under and contract your glutes. Pull up, and keep your torso tall.  This also helps you work your core.

Repeat for about a minute.  At the end of the minute, pulse at the bottom for as long as your tush can handle (or say, 20 seconds).

And when in doubt, take the stairs.  They work your glutes like you want them to be somebody’s business.

 

-Arianna Schioldager