Lower Body Exercises: Get a Bigger Butt and Tighter Thighs

Exercises like pelvic thrusts and hip rotations are key to getting a bigger, rounder butt and tighter inner thighs. Learn how to strengthen hip flexors to alleviate back pain and explore movements that can help you eliminate saddlebags.

close-up of an exercise ball

Butt Exercises That Don't Involve the Knees

The gluteus maximus, which typically is referred to as the butt or glutes, is a large, powerful muscle exercised through squats and lunges -- compound exercises that engage the knee joint and hips.

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indoor training pose

Squat Thrust vs. Burpee

Although the terms squat thrust and burpee often are used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same exercise: They are variations of the same exercise. Both movements incorporate aerobic training and strength training into one sequence, working your cardiovascular system, legs and upper body.

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Man lifting weights in gym

Walking Lunges for Great Legs

While walking lunges aren’t the most glamorous exercise to perform, they’re excellent for strengthening and shaping the legs. Not only will you improve the look of your legs with walking lunges, you’ll also firm your lower body muscles, which in turn can improve your speed and athletic performance.

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Woman with injured knee

Recovery Time for a Knee Contusion

A knee contusion usually results from a blow to or fall on the knee. The knee is particularly vulnerable to contusions. In addition to the contusion, a knee injury may result in abrasions or skin tears, which are frequent in knee injuries, according to HealthCareClinic.org.

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Working out at the Gym

How to Do Jump Squats

The jump squat is a full-body exercise that requires no equipment and primarily works the legs and midsection -- specifically, the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, abdominals, quadriceps and calves -- by alternately stretching and contracting the muscles, Correct performance can help athletes in numerous sports.

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woman running up on mountain stairs

Strengthening Leg Muscles for Climbing Stairs

A stair-climbing training regime is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, but without strong legs, you may find this type of training too intense. Stair climbing primarily targets the muscles of the lower body -- the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, hip flexors and calves.

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Which Is Better, Deadlifts or Power Cleans?

Neither the deadlift nor the power clean have inherent qualities that make one exercise better than the other. You may choose to incorporate one, both or neither exercise into your workout routine.

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Ready To Lift

Recovery From Deadlifts

Soreness and fatigue can be normal effects of doing deadlifts, but a few strategies may help you speed recovery. A coach or trainer can work with you to develop a balanced program to help your muscles recover so you can stay healthy and meet your fitness goals.

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Woman practicing yoga on deck

Difference Between Pelvic Tilt & Pelvic Lift

The pelvic tilt and the pelvic lift are two yoga movements commonly performed to alleviate lower back stress and help improve posture. In addition, both movements strengthen muscles that provide support for your abdominals, lower back and pelvic area.

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Woman with hands on her knee

What to Do if Your Leg Is Asleep

Paresthesia is a medical term that refers to the tingling and prickling sensations you experience in some body parts, commonly referred to as “falling asleep.” Although having your leg fall asleep is uncomfortable, it usually is not a sign of a serious medical condition if it happens occasionally.

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Crunches

The Worst & Best Exercises for Bad Hips

Effective hip exercises can make the difference between increased motion and limitation of movement. If you have poor hip mobility without pain, you should do specific exercises, according to Dr. Blain Harrison, assistant professor of exercise science at Virginia’s Longwood University.

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