No matter how many miles I run or swim, I still have a big butt. It’s just the reality of my life. So, I’m always looking for ways to keep my butt firm – if it’s going to be big, I at least don’t want it to jiggle!
Runners tend to develop an imbalance between their quads and their hamstrings and glutes, which can lead to chronic hamstring and back problems. Hill training is a great way to build strength in the hamstrings and glutes while simultaneously giving you a great cardio workout – it’s a win/win workout!
Over the years, I have taught high impact aerobics and core clasees, spent hours on ellipticals, and almost killed my self trying to do plyometrics (note: if you are as uncoordinated as I am, trying to jump on and off a foot-high box in front of 30 other people is not a good idea – just sayin’.). But nothing has worked as well on my butt as these:
Infinity Stairs
My kids go to school at Cal State and there is a set of stairs there that seem to go on forever. I started dropping my sons off at the bottom each morning because I figured it was the only exercise they were going to get (yes, I’m mean). Soon though, I started thinking about incorporating them into my own training.
See? They keep going!
Because of mountain lions and such, I’m afraid to run the trails here in Cali all by myself. So, during the week, when I run alone, stairs are a great option for me to get some “hill” training without getting eaten by something.
Me - Running from a Mountain Lion (just kidding)
The real mountain lions wouldn't hold still for the photo!
And there are 122 steps in the stairs! Yikes!
Yes! 122 steps - I've counted
So I go up.
And yes, there are 122 steps down!
And down.
And up. And down.
Again.
And again.
Until I’ve done enough where I can eat these:
They're "minis" - I promise
Can’t imagine why I have a big butt!
No mountain lions were harmed in the creation of this blog post.
Happy Running!
Mom, ultrarunner, four-time US 24 Hour National Team member, adventure athlete, food writer. Graduate of the Pro Cooking Program at the New School of Cooking, Los Angeles. Will run for food.
{ 4 comments }
Carilyn, thank you for the great insight. And wow, those stairs look mean! Sea level or not stairs are always gruesome yet so helpful in training. I do struggle with the imbalance between hamstrings, quads and glutes so I know now what I need to do to achieve that balance, although not happy about it, hehe! The other imbalance I struggle with is my mid-section (read beer belly). I will take your cupcake advice to see if it changes!
Ha ha, Luis! Remember, on women it’s called a Buddah belly 🙂
Oh stairs. I love to hate them. So hard but SO good for those glutes. It’s why I’m doing this hilly half in a few weeks that I abhor. For the sixth time!
That is one wicked staircase!
Ha ha! It is brutal – my legs shake when I’m done!
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