Grace Wooten doesn't mind too much if you give her derriere an appreciative glance.
"It's a little embarrassing, but it does happen quite a bit," she said. "My oldest son just started college, and he remarked how many of the college guys were checking me out."
The owner of Genesis Gym in Trenton, Ga., Wooten, 48, has spent the last 23 years working in the personal fitness field. She said it can be gratifying when someone appreciates the effort she makes to keep her body (and her bottom) toned.
"At my age, I really have to work hard to keep (my backside) in shape," she said, "but I feel pretty good about it."
In the accompanying photos, Wooten demonstrates exercises to shape and tone the behind. No guarantees of a Hollywood-worthy bum, but these moves will certainly help.
Leg Lifts
Theresa Wade, head of training, The Sports Barn
Though "old-timey," Wade said these low-impact leg lifts are a good move for beginners. Start on all fours (lying flat is acceptable for those with knee problems) and extend one leg behind you, parallel to the floor. Raise the leg as high as possible, while contracting the gluteal muscles. Bring the leg back down so the thigh is once again parallel to the ground.
Squats
Dan Whalen, head trainer, The Rush
Whalen said to work the muscles of the hips and rear by avoiding the urge to bend at the knees first. "Push back as though sitting in a chair," he said. "Then bend the knees and lower yourself slowly." Go down until the hamstrings are parallel to the floor but not farther to prevent knee injury.
Keep feet hip width apart and pointing straight ahead, with head and chest facing forward. When rising, use the heels rather the toes to drive up. Doing so engages the hamstring and gluteal muscles.
Side Kicks
Lauren Worley Knauth, director, Pilates in Motion
Lay on one side, with your head resting on an arm. Extend the legs from the body at a 45 degree angle. Proceed to lift the top leg to hip height, keeping the leg long and soft. Inhale and slowly bring the leg forward, keeping the hips in line. Pulse the leg forward twice. Exhale and swing the leg backward, bringing it as far back as possible, while keeping the hips and core in place.
Lunges
Pennie Norris, director of personal training, Jack Silberman Fitness Center for Women
To work the quadruceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles, Norris suggests walking or standing lunges. Beginning with both feet together, take a step forward, bending at the knee, while keeping the hamstrings on the back legs stretched out. "The front knee goes 90 degrees, but the knee does not pass the toe," she said. Return to a starting position by putting the weight on the heel.
Lunges can help shape the area where the thighs and bottom meet.
Step-ups
Kyle Johnston, trainer, Fitness Together
Use a sturdy bench or chair, making sure it will not slip. Place the lead foot flat on the seat of the chair and step up, bringing the other foot to chair level as though walking up a set of very tall steps. Then lower back down to the floor, keeping the lead foot still on the chair. This exercise engages the calves, quadriceps, gluteals and hamstrings. (Step-ups are an intermediate to advanced exercise and should not be attempted by those just beginning a fitness routine.)