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Ryckman: Everybody's body benefits from balance

Published March 6, 2007 at midnight

Some men are obsessed with the lower half of a woman's body, but they're not nearly attentive enough to their own.

In the weight room, guys tend to focus on working everything above the waist, which they actually have a hope of making bigger. As a result, they end up with bulging biceps, finely sculpted triceps, ripped chests, massive backs - and hollow little legs.

Many women, on the other hand, would be happiest if they could go straight from chest to feet and cut out everything in between.

Everybody's body can benefit from the balance that comes from paying attention to all muscle groups, particularly with warm weather fast approaching. (It is coming, right? Right?)

To that end (pun intended), I've put together a jolly little workout that contains elements of kickboxing, Pilates, yoga and sculpting to challenge tush, thighs and lower abs - some of the world's most troubling spots.

Start now alternating this thigh-burning, butt-lifting muscle-builder with 30-60 minutes of cardio three times a week. You're bound to feel tighter and more toned by the time you need to break out the shorts, which I'm hoping will be sometime in the next six months.Lying side lift:

Works: Glutes, outer thighs

How to: Lie on your side and rest your head on your extended bottom arm. Put your top hand on the floor in front of you for support as you lift the top leg 12 to 18 inches.

Inhale as you bend the top leg toward your chest. Exhale as you straighten the leg, then lift it to a 45-degree angle. Repeat 8-12 times on one side, then the other.

Weighted donkey

Works: Glutes, thighs, core

How to: Kneel and place a 3- to 5-pound dumbbell behind one knee. Lift your foot enough to hold the weight in place as you kneel on all fours. Your arms should be straight with hands on the floor directly under your shoulders.

Lift the weighted leg until your knee is in line with your hip. Keep the weight in place by squeezing it in the crook of your knee, between your calf and thigh.

Pulse the leg 10 times, then lower. Repeat on the other side.

Squat kick

Works: Glutes, core

How to: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold your fists alongside your jaw. Bend your knees and stick out your rear as if you are about to sit in a chair, but keep your chest lifted and abs tight. As you return to a stand, kick one leg out in front of you.

Return to the squat as you lower the leg. Repeat 10 times with one leg, then 10 with the other.

Tip: It's OK not to squat very deeply, particularly if you have knee problems. In any case, don't let your butt drop below knee level.

Hovering dog

Works: Glutes, core

How to: Assume a push-up position, with your hands under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Lift one foot as high as you can. Hold at least 15 seconds, longer if you can. Repeat with the other leg lifted. Alternate 2-5 times.

Challenge yourself: While your leg is lifted, press your weight into your hands and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Lift the leg as high as possible while keeping your hips level. Hold for at least 15 seconds. Repeat two times on each side.

Standing side lift

Works: Outer thighs, glutes

How to: Stand with your feet under your hips, fists alongside your jaw or hands on your hips. Sink into a squat. As you return to a stand, shift your weight to one leg and lift the opposite leg to the side.

Pause with the leg fully extended and the foot flexed. Return directly to the squat, then repeat the lift on the same side. Do two sets of eight on each side.

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