8 Abs And Butt Exercises That Look Easy…Until You Try Them

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While some exercises just look like they’re going to have you feeling sore tomorrow (squats, burpees, thrusters), others are tricky. Those that use smaller movements may not look like that big of a deal—heck sometimes it doesn’t even look like you’re moving at all. But then you try the move, and Oh My God does it burn. The point is that you don’t always need to move big, jump super high, or sprint as fast as you can. You can still strengthen your muscles effectively with these lower-impact moves, too. Sometimes you only need the length of a yoga mat—and these abs and butt exercises prove just that. Give them a shot, feel the burn. 

1. Elevated Plié Squat Pulses

Whitney Thielman

• Stand in a wide squat position with your feet about two to three feet apart and toes pointing out.
• Come on to the ball of your left foot. Keep your back straight and abs tight and bend knees a few inches. Bring your butt straight down, don’t hinge back like you do in a regular squat.
• Press your knees out slightly as you lower. Continue to pulse up and down, then straight legs to return to standing.

2. Hip Bridges

Whitney Thielman

• Start lying flat on your back, your knees bent and your feet should be about hip-distance apart with your heels a few inches away from your butt.
• Lift your hips up, then lower them back to the ground.

3. Forearm Plank Rocks

Whitney Thielman

• Start in a forearm plank with your shoulders above your elbows.
• Slowly move your body forward and then back. Be sure to keep your core tight the entire time, and don’t let your hips sag.

4. Curtsy Kicks

Whitney Thielman

• Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
• Step left leg diagonally behind right leg and bend knees to lower into a lunge. Keep spine long, shoulders rolled down, and back and abs tight.
• Push through right heel to stand, and sweep left leg out to side.
• Immediately move into the next rep. Don’t forget to do both sides.

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