	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles

Firming the Buns

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 07Mar2007
Word count: 609
Viewed: 320 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

The buns are also referred to as the glutes, and are probably the most focused body part. Well-developed glutes support your hips and posture, as well as giving a firmer appearance and improving endurance in such activities as walking, running, inline skating, cycling, etc.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a lot of time or money to get a well-developed backside. You can get a quality glute workout under 15 minutes once a week with just the basics.

There are a multitude of machines at the gym that isolate different parts of the hips, thighs, and glutes. Many of these are a waste of time and lead to overtraining. All you need are squats, stiff-legged deadlifts, and lunges for an overall bun workout.

Squats for Firming the Buns

Squats work the entire leg and glute muscle. If you skip the squats, you are doing yourself a great injustice.

To properly execute the squat, choose a weight you are comfortable with. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Keep your back straight and lower yourself until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Push yourself back up through the heels of your feet. Make sure you contract your glutes at the top of the movement.

Perform 3 sets using light to moderate weight in the 15 to 20 repetition range with one-minute rest intervals. Don't use excessively heavy poundage if you carry most of your weight in your hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Stiff-Legged Deadlifts for Firming the buns

The stiff-legged deadlifts (SLDL) also help to work the"glutes, as well as the hamstrings. This is often a neglected exercise. Form is important. Keep your focus on your hamstrings and glutes, and not the back.

To properly execute the SLDL , choose a weight that you are comfortable with. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold the weight in front of you. While keeping your lower back tight, slowly drop your hips behind you and allow the weight to fall toward your feet. As you rise, squeeze and contract your hamstrings and glutes.

Perform 3 sets of stiff-legged deadlifts with light to moderate weight in the 15 to 20 repetition range with one-minute rest intervals.

Lunges for Firming the Buns

Lunges work the entire leg and glute area. You can choose to do this with or without weights. Lunges are not bad on your knees if your form is correct.

To properly execute the a lunge , stand normally. Lunge one foot forward until the knee is at a 90-degree angle, and then resume standing position. Do the same movement for the other leg.

Perform 3 sets of lunges with light to moderate weight in the 15 to 20 repetition range with one minute rest intervals.

Conclusion for Firming the Buns

Resistance training will build well-developed glues, but in order to remove the fat cardiovascular exercise is needed. Any aerobic exercise is good for burning calories and burning fat, but choosing the ones that target the legs and glutes are even better.

Power walking, jogging, sprinting, in-line skating, and the elliptical are the best for leaning up the lower body and glutes. Perform these at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes and progress each week from there.

I must caution you about the stepper and treadmills set on incline. Yes, these are great for building the legs and glutes, but if added size is not your desire, it's best to avoid these.

If you are unsure of the proper form on any of the exercises, please have an instructor show you.

Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She is a nationally qualified bodybuilder and holds two personal training certifications. She has written 6 ebooks on fitness and has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies. http://www.theelitephysique.com "Use of this article is authorized provided it is reproduced in full, and all web URLS are active hyperlinks directed to the author"

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here