I train hard. My aim is 5 to 7 days a week, circuit training. And, I like to look super glam when I do it. If I’m going to work these glutes until I about drop, I want shorts that show ‘em. Through a stroke of luck, and the Arnold Classic (http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/), I found the sexiest, strongest line of fitness apparel.

Fight Chix (http://www.fightchix.com/). It’s H-O-T!  Originally developed for female martial artists, it celebrates female empowerment – I LOVE THAT!  And, the designer was a single mom for 6 years who had a hard time finding clothing to show both strength and feminine power in the martial arts arena (that’s a cool back story). 

Fight Chix joined in partnership with Mrs. Ohio America to sponsor this year’s fitness apparel, plus outfit the new Mrs. Ohio America, Stephanie Gooden, at the Mrs. America competition. They outfitted all of the contestants and several former Mrs. Ohio’s and everyone felt sexy! Check it out: Terry Grothaus in Fight Chix http://www.flickr.com/photos/41465013@N04/3820950703/

And, if you want to work you glutes – keep your cheeks riding high, here are my favorite glute exercises:

1. Straight-legged deadlifts – these work with a barbell or dumbbells. Hold your dumbbells down to your sides and bend at the waist – straight forward, with a flat back. Make sure when you do these; you keep your back straight. Otherwise you do not get the full impact AND, you can strain your back. I usually do 4 sets, 10, 12, 15, 20 reps.
2. One-legged deadlifts – these also work balance. They are just like the straight-legged deadlift, but as you bend you bring your leg up in the air behind you. Until you get the hang of doing the exercise, don’t add weight. But, once you feel you can balance, add a dumbbell in each hand. Try 3 sets of 20, 10 on each leg per set.
3. Pelvic thrusts on a ball – with both feet perched on a body ball, straighten your legs away from you and bring them back toward your butt. After about 20 reps you begin to feel the burn. For a more advanced version, do one leg straight in the air and the other balanced on the ball. Try 3 sets of 20 – one set with both legs on the ball, then a set on the left and a set on the right.
4. Walking lunges – this is an all around leg toner, but I really like what it does for glutes.