Hip-slimming butt-booster

step-by-step
* Lie on your right side, legs stacked, with right ankle resting on top of an 8- to 12-inch step or sturdy stool, and right elbow, forearm and palm flat on floor, right elbow aligned under shoulder and palm of left hand resting flat on floor in front of ribs. Contract abs to stabilize torso [A].
* Inhale, then exhale as you lift hips off floor so body forms a straight line from head to heels. Keep neck in line with spine [B].
* Hold for a count of 2, then slowly lower hips back to floor. Repeat for all reps on 1 side before switching sides to complete 1 set.

workout schedule
Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps as part of your regular strength-training program. If you're new to resistance exercise, begin with 1 set and gradually add on a 2nd, then a 3rd when ready.
training tip
Don't let your hips move back to form a V with your torso, which takes the upper-hip muscles out of alignment. This makes the exercise less effective. Also, don't use your upper body to assist the movement; you should feel it in the upper hip of the bottom leg. Allow your weight to rest gently on your forearm.
to progress
Instead of resting one hand on the floor in front of ribs, place that arm on top of thigh. Once you've mastered this stability challenge, try holding a 5-to 10-pound dumbbell on thigh.