The world's eyes stopped on Pippa's sexy derrière. The fitting white bridesmaid's dress showed off the latter's shapely rear as she held on to her sister's train.
The 27-year-old credited her weekly pilates classes for her great shape. "From muscle toning to overall flexibility, my pilates sessions have become a weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energised. It has been a wonderful escape from my busy lifestyle in London. Whether it's 7 am in the morning or 7 pm at night, I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated," wrote Pippa in a testimonial on her fitness centre's website. As she conquers the world with her butt, we give you the lowdown on how to shape yours.
What pilates do: Says fitness trainer Sheru Angrish, "Without a doubt, the most effective, targeted way to tone your buttocks is by doing pilates. It is an excellent body conditioning routine that helps sculpt the body while at the same time building endurance, co-ordination, flexibility and strength. The exercises target not only larger muscles but also all of the smaller ones for an even rounded appearance that trims the hips." These moves have to be performed thrice a week. But Angrish suggests you really squeeze and tighten the buttock muscles to ensure they are working properly through each of the exercises.
Pilates not for you? Check out these other Exercises for a brand new rear!
Other butt shapers
Elliptical trainer and Stepper
"The Stepper and Elliptical Trainer (ET), works great as the legs are the largest muscle group. Both pieces of equipment can strengthen the buttocks and legs," says fitness guru Mickey Mehta. One may do various exercises on steppers, like alternate step, hop-on, hop down etc. "Just half an hour on the ET is enough. One can do backward pedalling on it too. You can also go back on the edge of the pedal and variate leg placement to tone up your butt. Half-squatting and lunges are great too," he reveals.
Pumping iron
Doing weights the right way can also give you a tight butt. Says Althea Shah of Gold's Gym, "After a warm up, do squats - one of the best exercises you can do for your hips, butt and thighs. Remember to hold the weights at shoulder level and keep the torso upright and contracted." Lunges are next. Stand in a split stance and hold weights in each hand, bend the knees and lower the back toward the floor, keeping the front heel down, step forward with the other leg. Keep the torso straight and abs in as you push through the front heel and back to starting position. Don't lock the knees at the top of the movement. Perform one to three sets of 10 to 15 reps according to your fitness level and goals," she says.
