Let’s face it, we all want a good backside, men and women alike. There’s nothing quite like knowing someone is watching you walk away to boost your self-esteem. But sometimes it can feel like the butt is just immune to all of your efforts. Have no fear! These moves are guaranteed to noticeably tone your tush because they tap into the basic science of fitness.
Enviable backsides are by nature lifted and sculpted. It’s impossible to make that happen without building new, lean muscle. That’s what creates the natural well-rounded shape you’re after. But on that note, you can’t only work the butt muscles. Remember that your body is interconnected, so your legs and core need to get involved as well!
Jumping Squats: The Best Move Around
Squats are great, but jumping squats are so much better. With the added plyo in this move, you can practically watch extra fat melt away. The best part is, this move is sort of like ice cream. It starts as one solid element, but you can transform it and add to it any way you want!
The basic concept of a jumping squat involves a full squat in which your knees bend and stay in line with your ankles while your butt goes back. Jump in the air, and go into another squat immediately upon landing. Pretty simple at its core! But you can get creative by adding some arm jabs, moving left and right or forward and back with each jump, or even hopping into a plank in between each move. The more you can squeeze into this single movement, the more efficiently your body—and your glutes!—will become toned.
You can also try plié squats, in which you take a wider stance and your knees go out to the side. This move works your butt, thighs, calves, and even arms if you keep them by your ears or do some arm circles.
Squats can even occur when your legs are together. Bend your knees, keeping them in line with your ankles, and squat as far as you can without breaking form. Jump straight up, or jump side to side like you are skiing. You’ll tone your butt and thighs simultaneously while strengthening your calves and enjoying some great cardio.
Who knew one simple basic move could pave the way for a perfectly toned butt?