How to Tone Your Legs and Buttocks During Pregnancy

Practice these exercises and you can wear those shorts with pride up until your due date!

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running Shoes
• Personal Stereos
• Dumbbells
• Exercise Mats
• Home Gyms
• Water Bottles

1. Walk. Fast- or slow-paced walking provides you with the best leg, buttocks and cardiovascular workout. Start slowly and gradually increase your pace. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion and overheating.

2. Lay on your side with one leg on top of the other. Lift your top leg holding your foot at a 90-degree angle to the leg. Focus on using your hip and outer thigh muscles. Hold the position for five seconds. Slowly lower your leg and repeat 10 times. Roll over and work the other leg. Start with one set of 10 reps and gradually increase to five sets.

3. Stand with one foot about 12 inches in front of the other. Hold your hands by your sides. Slowly lower your body by bending both knees, keeping your front knee directly above your front ankle and foot, and your arms by your side. Slowly raise your body to a standing position. Repeat five times. Switch placement of feet and repeat for five reps. Hold hand weights to increase muscle resistance. Start with one set of five reps and gradually increase to 10 sets.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink water before, during and after your walk.
• Breathing and focusing on muscle use will discipline you for the birth of your child.
• Sit on a comfortable exercise mat and prop yourself with pillows for comfort.
• Move slow and steady when exercising. Avoid jerking or fatiguing movements.
• Consult your doctor before you do any exercises during pregnancy.

on 11/22/2005 Stand facing a wall about a foot away and place hands on wall for balance. Lift right leg behind you and off the ground a foot and return slowly (also try it to the side! side). Remember to stand up straight and keep your abs and butt tight. 20 each leg