I know people say the best way to tone up your lower body is squats. But I hear it's bad for your knees. I also keep seeing the infommercial for The Bun & Thigh Rocker which always makes me laugh. Is that any more effective than squats and is it worth getting? What's the best exercise to firm up thighs, buns, hips, etc.? I want something I can do at home that doesn't require too much equipment or time. Just something I can do for less than 30 minutes a day but won't ruin my knees.

Is that any more effective than squats and is it worth getting? What's the best exercise to firm up thighs, buns, hips, etc.? I want something I can do at home that doesn't require too much equipment or time. Just something I can do for less than 30 minutes a day but won't ruin my knees.

If you are careful about your form, squats are not bad for your knees. That "Bun Rocker" thing isn't much more than a glorified leg press. If you're really worried about knees, try lunges. Front, side and walking lunges work quads, glutes and hams. (Thighs, hips, and butt) Leg lifts, side kicks, glute lifts... almost all of these can increase intensity with the use of ankle weights, too.

Naxis

How about the exercise ball? The bun rocker thing is built on the same theory of rocking and somewhat pilates. I think you can purchase the exercise balls at Wal-Mart...and all you do is lean back on the ball and would be in position as if you were rocking just like on the infomercial for that rocker. It's basically the same exercise it targets the thighs and would be a heck of alot cheaper than that machine. I'm the queen of bargain hunting and resourcefulness when it comes to these exercise machines. I can say the only actual machine I've been happy with that I have bought is the Tony Little Gazelle, it's not hard on my knees and when you bend your knees slightly you can feel it in your thighs.