When asked which body part they would prefer to be more pert and toned, most people would point to the one they are sitting on. Few of us are without some degree of buttock paranoia and summer, with the scrutiny we are exposed to on the beach, heightens our awareness of the saggy, pasty, wrinkled state of our behinds.

Research indicates that muscles including the gluteus maximus and medius and hamstrings need to be worked to achieve the perfect posterior.

For best results you should do these exercises two to three days every week, but, when needs must, a crash course will suffice.

Step-ups: Stand with good posture by a tall step or platform about 38cm (nearly 15in) high. Hold a bottle of water in each hand and place your left foot on top of the platform. Push your left foot down into the heel and straighten your leg to come to the top of the platform. Bring your right foot up alongside, then step down first with your left leg, then your right. The latter should play a passive role. Repeat 12 times before changing sides.

Stair-climbing: Stairs were the inspiration for stairclimbers - the gym machines that were heralded as the best aid to toning your bottom. When climbing, keep your back straight and hips facing forwards. Bend your arms at right angles and pump them to help to get you up the stairs. Researchers in Northern Ireland showed that walking up stairs for six minutes a day lowered cholesterol by 10 per cent and resulted in subjects becoming 15 per cent fitter. Work up to 25 flights a day.

Quadruped hip extensions: This exercise (illustrated) was found to be the most effective butt-toning move by an American study. On your hands and knees, contract abdominal muscles to stabilise your spine. Lift the right leg, keeping the knee bent at 90 degrees. Raise it a few inches until the foot faces the ceiling and the upper leg is in line with the body. Do 12 times before changing legs.

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