Excuses Are Like Butts

Alright, so I'm not being as faithful with this blog (or the gym) as I should be. It's the week before vacation and while excuses are like butts, my work outs lately have consisted of laundry, packing, shopping, and cleaning house. I feel like I've just been out straight and come 8:30-9pm the last thing I think of is the gym... usually it's my bed. 

On that note, the worst part, I've been eating like I'm on vacation already too! Oh ya know, ice cream, cookies, reese's peanut butter cups...the whole nine yards. Needless to say, I will NOT be stepping on the scale until after vacation to see my damage. However, while I am on vacation I will be with a few friends that are also on the path to a better life style and hoping that we can schedule some walks/jogs in along with a few challenges so I don't feel like too much of a blob next week. 

Since the word butt is in my title...I need help people! I have no butt. Nothing, nada, ZERO butt. I looked up some ideas for butt exercises to help me out (this will probably be my next set of challenges), but anything else anyone knows of PLEASE help me!

I know all of you reading my post will give me LOTS of ideas. But just incase, I'll try some of these from FitSugar when I get back from vacation:


Step Ups
Make sure you're using a stable and sturdy chair that can support your weight without sliding. If a chair feels too high, use a sturdy stool or a bottom stair.

• Stand in front of your chair and place your left foot in the center of the seat.

• Step up onto the chair and bring your right knee forward and up.

• Lower yourself back to the floor, with the foot landing quietly.

• Switch legs and repeat. That completes one rep. Do 15 to 20 reps total.

Plié Squats
Maybe squats aren't your favorite exercise, but they sure help to strengthen and tone your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Using a set of dumbbells will not only strengthen your tush but your arms as well!

• Stand with legs wide and toes pointed outward slightly. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands with your arms straight and your palms facing down.

• Bend your knees until they are over your ankles while raising your arms to just below shoulder height. Arms should be in line with your legs — you should see the weights in your peripheral vision.

• Straighten your legs and lower your arms simultaneously.

• Complete three sets of 15 reps.

Romanian Deadlifts
This move is an oldie but goodie when it comes to targeting your hamstrings, quads, and, of course, your backside.

• Stand upright holding a pair of medium-weight dumbbells in each hand, arms at your sides, with your knees slightly bent.

• Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly bend at the hips (not your waist) and lower the weights as far as possible without rounding your back, which should remain straight.

Basic Squat With Side Leg Lift
Here's a move that can help smooth out your saddlebags, also called your lower love handles. You'll definitely feel this move burning both sides of your tush at the same time.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor, keeping weight back in your heels.

All right, I'll probably be off line until I get back from vacation. But should I venture to a computer, I'll be sure to share my vacation stories with you all and let you know if I have been walking or doing ANYTHING besides sitting on the beach reading a good book. Oh! For those interested... I'm going camping. Have been doing it since I was 6 months old with my family and another family. LOVE this time with them all. 

Till next time... use it for more than an excuse, do a few squats for me!

~Melissa