Erika Dillman - The Little Butt & Thighs Workout Book

D oes my butt look big in these pants?

If I had a dollar for every time Ive asked or answered that question, I could retire to a tropical island. On my island, my favorite pants would always fit meeven my old jeans from college. No, even my old jeans from high school. There would be no cellulite on my island, and I would have sculpted thighs, slim hips, and a rock-solid bum.

Its hard not to fantasize about perfect body parts when our society equates a firm, fit body with success, beauty, power, and a happy life. Every time we turn on the TV, watch a movie, or pick up a magazine, were bombarded by images of pencil-thin, perfectly toned models and celebrities.

Every spring, the pressure heats up even more when it seems like every womens magazine cover screams get bikini ready! Inside: workouts to help normal people like us get bodies like Madonna, Cameron Diaz, or Jennifer Garner. Its enough to push your envy and inadequacy buttons, big time. But consider this: There was a time when these chiseled women werent so buff. They look great now because they worked hard to get in shape.

If youd like to firm up your lower half, and in the meantime, slim down, improve your coordination and balance, strengthen your legs, have more energy, walk taller, and look great in your clothes, its never too late. Studies have shown that whether youre twenty-five, sixty-five, or even eighty-five, a regular exerciser or a beginner, you, too, can reap the benefits of a comprehensive fitness plan that includes lower-body conditioning.

You might not believe it, but you can diminish the appearance of cellulite, youre not saddled with your love handles forever, and you only need to do a few short workouts a week to start reshaping your rear.

The Little Butt & Thighs Workout Book will help you get started in a home exercise program designed to improve the appearance and function of your leg and buttock muscles. Youll learn how to beat cellulite, burn more calories, and perform more than sixteen strengthening and toning exercisesat home, at the gym, or anywhere you have a few feet of space.

For best results, please read the chapters in order. Before practicing any of the exercises in chapters 8 through 11, you need to prepare your body and mind. Understanding how your body moves, why posture and alignment are vital, and how to correctly apply strength training principles, will help you exercise safely and effectively.

All the exercises in this book, organized into four mini-workouts, were carefully selected with the guidance of a licensed physical therapist and two certified personal trainers, all certified in strength training instruction. The first mini-workout contains four basic strengthening exercises, with each successive mini-workout more difficult than the last. Most of the exercises can be done without equipment. Correct technique will be the key to your success.

This book is for anyone who wants stronger, more attractive legs and a firmer butt. Youll notice that a few small sections of this book highlight womens concerns about their lower bodies. Were genetically designed to gain fat around our thighs, hips, and butts; there are no other body parts we obsess about more. But if theres a man in your life whose relaxed fit jeans arent so relaxed anymore, you can share this book with him, too. The training guidelines and workouts are just as effective for men as they are for women.

Adding lower body training to your fitness plan is easier and less time consuming than you might thinkeven if youre a beginner. Sure, it takes a bit of hard work, but getting rid of flabby thighs is worth it.

The exercises are easy to learn, each mini-workout takes only ten to fifteen minutes to complete, and you only have to practice them two or three times a week. Clearly written instructions guide you through each workout.

You might be surprised to realize that your greatest challenge is simply committing yourself to regular practice. I hope youll take your time and enjoy each workout. Try not to think of exercise as a chore, but as the perfect gift for your body, a way to relieve stress, improve your health, and spend time focusing on yourself. Once you start practicing the exercises, youll appreciate how you feel after each short workoutenergized, strong, and confident. These feelings will keep you coming back for more.

Toned legs, slimmer hips, and firm buns are in your (near) future. With discipline, patience, and consistent practice, youll be on your way to a stronger, more functional lower body... that looks great in your favorite jeans (or swimsuit)!

ERIKA DILLMAN