As we age, it seems like everything on our body wants to fall. Body parts that used to be perky and tight when we were young seem to gravitate toward the ground as we age. Although fitness may not be able to help some sagging areas, it sure can help a deflating derrière.

I don't know many people who want the pancake-bottom look, but that's exactly what seems to happen to our backside over time. Most people accept the disappearing act as just another unfortunate part of aging - but there is a solution.

The appearance of your backside just reflects the condition of your muscles. The gluteus maximus, the largest and the most superficial of the three gluteal muscles, makes up a large portion and shape of the buttocks.

Think of the buttocks as two balloons. A youthful bottom is more firm because it is filled out by lean muscle, like a freshly inflated balloon. As we age, the muscle atrophies giving an appearance similar to a deflated balloon. The solution is to rebuild, or re-inflate, the muscle in that area with exercise.

There are a variety of great exercises that work the gluteals, but the best one of all doesn't even require a gym membership. Walking lunges is one of the best ways to work the gluteal muscles and all you may need are some dumbbells. Women typically use 5-15lb dumbbells and men may use 15lbs-25lbs dumbbells.

A walking lunge is exactly how it sounds. Begin in a standing upright position, with or without weights in your hands. Take a large step, or lunge, forward while never letting your lead knee go over your toe. Once at the bottom of the lunge, your torso should be straight and your forward leg should be bent at almost a 90 degree angle.

During the lunge, your back knee should come close to, but never touch, the ground. Pushing off with your front leg, pull your body up for another large lunge forward. With each lunge, you will make your way across the floor completing 15-20 giant steps. Repeat three times.

Maintaining balance during this exercise can be challenging at first but will improve with practice as your strengthen stabilization muscles. Beginners and seniors may want someone to hold their hand until their balance improves for added safety.

Walking lunges offers more benefits than just appearance. Improved balance and leg strength can even help prevent unnecessary back injuries due to improper lifting and stooping.

You don't have to accept the negative affects of aging. Instead, put up a good fight with good old-fashioned exercise like walking lunges. It will not only give your fanny a lift, it will lift your spirits too!