Alex Bowman is a tutor at Lifetime Training. He has over six years of experience in the health and fitness industry, including fitness instructing, personal training and studio instructing.

If you have a fitness question you would like answered by Alex, all you have to do is submit your question using the Comment on this Article box below. And remember - sign-up to our monthly health and fitness newsletter to receive your expert answer direct in your in-box.

Kate Asks:

Hi Alex. What’s the best way to tone up my butt?

Alex’s Answer:

This is a very common question I have been asked in the gym. The best way to work a muscle is by understanding what that particular muscle is responsible for. This will then allow you to mimic the movements that work it to get your results. The “butt” or “Gluteus Maximus” is responsible for extending the hip joint. This basically means that any exercise that moves the hip, especially when it takes the leg behind the centre line of the body will activate the glutes. Examples of these exercises could be jogging, hill walking, lunges, squats.

Another good way of finding out specific exercises that you could do at home is by finding a local “LBT” class (Legs, Bums and Tums). By participating in this class you will find out what exercises work for you.

If I had to give you a choice of exercises I would begin with running or swimming (you never see a runner or a swimmer with a badly shaped bottom!).

Hope this helps Kate.

Alex Bowman, pictured. When taking up any new activities or exercise always consult with your GP first and ensure that you get advice from an appropriately qualified instructor.

For more information on fitness courses & more contact Lifetime Training on 0870 702 7273 or visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk