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.

Young couple doing stretching exercises in the park

Squats and Spinal Compression

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Eric Brown

Squatting, done properly, compresses the spine -- but we have evolved to tolerate spinal compression. Assuming you don't bounce off something hard at the bottom of the squat, the spinal compression forces are extremely low and should present no risk unless you have a pre-existing spinal injury.

What Muscles Do Heel Raises Work?

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Eric Brown

Heel raises, or calf raises, work your calf. Your calves provide stability for your knee and ankle joints as well as power when you walk, run, or jump. You must train your calves using a variety of methods, and many types of raises work the different functions of your calf muscle.

Eric Brown began writing professionally in 1990 and has been a strength and conditioning coach and exercise physiologist for more than 20 years. His published work has appeared in "Powerlifting USA," "Ironsport" and various peer-reviewed journals. Brown has a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in kinesiology from the University of California, Los Angeles.