prepping for pregnancy: how to build a booty

So let's talk booty business, shall we!?

STRENGTH TRAINING AND BOOTY BUILDING:
Did you know that strength training builds long-lasting muscle volume which helps give your pelvic floor muscles  structural support, which is also super important for birthing baby!

I don't know about you, but I prefer my bum to be on the bigger, rounder side. I've always had a pretty athletic build so a small backside has never been my thang or the look I do my best to achieve. Aside from just the look, having strong glutes helps keep my legs strong, thus keeping my knees strong- along with a lot of stretching of course! The reason being is I had surgery on my knee about ten years ago and have since reinjured it. I still have soreness, dull aches, and weakness from time to time as well. So needless to say, keeping my body (especially the lower half) strong is essential to my overall health and agility.

When I was pregnant with Kai I completely lost my tush. I lost so much muscle mass that it took a while to gain it back. So I've decided to #buildabootyforbaby. It's all about that squat, girl! No, seriously. I'm here to tell you, if you build a consistent booty workout plan you will be thoroughly impressed...and so will your man ; ).

Below is a couple exercises I do about 6 days a week.

In a pinch for time? Give yourself FIVE MINUTES! Don't worry, you can still get that firm booty while doing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or showering-I do!

1. Single leg raises while brushing your teeth- 20 reps 2x each side

• Stand on one leg and raise the other TO THE SIDE and slowly lower, tightening your deep core- use one hand to balance on your counter, chair, or wall
• Works the glutes, outer thigh, and core

​​​2. Single leg hip extension- 20 reps 2x each side

• Stand on one leg and raise the other BEHIND you and slowly lower- using the same techniques as above
• Works the glutes and hamstrings

3. Wide sumo squat- 15 reps 3x

• Squat then pull up, tightening your deep core muscles
• Be sure to engage your pelvic floor muscles by squeezing and lifting as you complete each rep. You're basically doing a kegal, and in doing so, can help during the pushing phase of labor and so forth.

***IF YOU EXPERIENCE PAIN OF ANY KIND (NOT JUST MUSCLE FATIGUE) PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, AND AS ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND ADJUST THE REPS OR ADD WEIGHT AS NEEDED)!

Join me on this journey while we #buildabootyforbaby and STAY TUNED for more fun exercises and get #fitwithcateandila!

To big, firm buns.

x,

C