Cover Story

Mind your bottom line

By None

ROCKFORD WOMAN

Aug 26, 2008 @ 07:38 PM

“Shapewear that will give you a lift” is the motto of This End Up by Barely There brand shapers. Tucks and stitching lift the buttocks and hold in thighs and stomach. They come in moderate, firm, or ultra-firm control and range from $20 to $24. Flexees brand Bottom Boost is another choice and offers light to ultra firm control. They run $33 at JCPenney.

Female-designed Spanx wear promises “Don’t worry, we’ve got your butt covered” and is featured at Enara Day Spa, 318 N. Alpine, Rockford. Power Panties Performance Underwear (love that name) are $30.

For all-over control, go with Spanx Slim Cognito mid-thigh shaper. Lifts, tucks and reduces thigh bulge with no giveaway lines for $58. Lighter control Hide & Sleek smoothes you out for $50. Their footless body-shaping pantyhose are $26.

Bod-a-Bing, a clothing line made of lightweight fabric, gives stylish, comfy control with Spanx shapers built right in to “look sleek, firm, and fabulous,” try pants or capris ($72) or skirt ($68).
Every body type is flattered, and the no-wrinkle black clothing is great for travel.

Enara is the only place in Rockford to get the revolutionary rump-raising (and spirit-elevating) Tummy Tuck jeans.

These patented denim jeans – special weaving flattens the front and boosts the buttocks – are made for real women with real bodies and provide a smart, slimming, fashionable look ($109).

Owner Barb Caudle strives to carry popular boutique items with affordable price tags.

Esthetician Traci Scribner says that many clients love being able to wear a smaller size and buy several pairs. Available in blue, black and buttery yellow; boot cut, wide leg, corduroys; and summer capris with rhinestones on cuff.

Other ways to a shapely behind:

To feel good about your backside without wearing a shaper, try these exercises targeted to minimize the gluteus maximus:

Lunges
Stand with feet about 3 feet apart, one leg forward, one leg back. Front foot flat, bend the knees, keeping front knee over the foot and back knee lowering toward the floor. Push with front heel back to starting position. Do 1 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions; switch front and back leg.

Squats
Stand with feet hip-width apart. Back straight. Squat, abs in and knees behind your toes. Have a chair behind you, lower your butt to touch the chair and squeeze butt to stand up. 1 to 3 sets of 10 reps.

Steps
You can use the stairs in your house, but ideally, the step should be 15 inches high. Step up fully with weight on right foot and then back down for 1 to 3 sets of 10 reps. Then switch to left foot.

For details and videos on these exercises and more, see exercise.about.com.

Don’t forget the obvious. Take the stairs. Go for a walk on your lunch hour. Get outside. Running, hiking and biking are great for heart and butt.