You don't have to spend the summer sitting inside in your sweatpants, even if you're insecure about your butt. Instead, work your glutes with exercises designed to tighten, tone and firm the butt. Show off your firm muscles in the short shorts you never thought you could wear. Talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine, especially if you have prior injuries or health problems.
Leg Curl
Stand straight with your feet close together. Roll up a yoga mat and place it behind your right knee, horizontally so the mat makes a parallel line with the floor. Bend your right knee so it is at a 90-degree angle and your leg is holding the yoga mat in place. Straighten your elbows to extend your arms directly in front of you and interlock your fingers at chest height. Lift your right knee up and back toward the wall, then down again. Repeat 20 times, then repeat the exercise with the left leg.
Squat
Strengthen your legs in addition to your glutes with the squat exercise. Stand straight with your feet at about the width of your hips. Relax your knees so they are bent slightly and point your toes straight in front of you. Make two fists and hold them in front of your chest with your elbows bent. Bend your body down into a squat as you bend your knees, as if you were sitting down on the seat of a chair. To keep your balance, press down with your heels into the floor. Breathe out as you straighten your legs to come back up to the starting position. Repeat the exercise eight times.
Crossing Kick
Stand up straight with your feet at about the width of your shoulders and your hands in two fists. Bend your elbows and place your fists directly under your chin. Relax your legs so your knees are not locked. Step behind you with your right foot so it crosses behind your left foot. Bend your knees to keep your balance, then push off with your right leg as you kick your left leg out to the side. If possible, aim to kick to about the height of your hips. Bring your left foot back down next to your right foot, then repeat the exercise in reverse, on opposite legs. Repeat 15 times.
Fitness Ball Leg Lift
Place a fitness ball, also called a balance ball, on the ground in front of you. Lie down on the ball on your stomach so your toes and the palms of your hands are touching the ground. Arch your back so you are resting on your lower stomach. Lift your legs up in the air until they are at the height of your chest. Bring them back down to the ground. Repeat the exercise 15 times.
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