"Pilates is a 'series' of exercises designed to build lean muscle, increase flexibility and bring balance to the body. It's low-impact - meaning it's suitable for almost everyone. I liken it to a gym and yoga workout rolled into one. Exercises can be performed on the floor (mat), or several other apparatus, the most well-known being the Reformer machine."
Vanessa agrees pilates can tone the bottom. "Although it is impossible to target one area of the body for weight loss, it is absolutely possible to improve tone and appearance through exercise, and by spending a bit longer training the areas you want to change. To get a shapely, toned bum, you should also work your thighs (quads and hamstrings). This will help you fight gravity to give both more definition, and give you a nice lift. It will also train the lower core (abs and lower back) to 'frame' the area."
THE BOOT CAMP TRAINER - John Templeton, Mount CrossFit
Pippa is often photographed running, but this alone does not help her bottom, according to former special forces trainer and Mount CrossFit owner, John Templeton. "Running works out your heart but it isn't going to shape your butt muscles."
John is known for his tough approach to firming up Bay ladies. He recently led 35 Mount CrossFit members in a 30-day challenge. On average they lost 1.2kg body weight a week and 1.2 per cent body fat a week. For women the biggest improvement areas were their hips and bums.
Annalies Thomas trains four to five times a week at Mount CrossFit.
"I have been doing CrossFit training for a year now and can deadlift 105kg. Since starting training, I have noticed the biggest difference around my hips and bum - which have firmed and shaped up significantly."
John says women shouldn't be worried about getting big from lifting weights. "It's all a myth and, in fact, females don't have the hormones capable of building huge muscles. Annalies is a great example of this."
John adds the only way to get a firm, shapely bum fast this summer is by doing deep squats and deep lunges with heavy weights and doing them at high intensity.
"Lifting lots of heavy weights fast and without resting gets you into the fat-burning and muscle-toning zone to build a hot, .
Adam BialostockiQuality underwear will shape your butt; opt for seamless styles to avoid ugly VPL.shapely bum. Without muscle, your bum will look like a sack of potatoes."
"To target your butt and get it beach-ready for summer you need to be doing deep squats - getting your 'arse to grass' or 'arse to ankles' as we say in our business!"
John emphasises that performing a squat through half the range of motion (as many trainers allow) doesn't activate the butt muscles, but performing a squat right down to the ground activates all the muscles in the butt, sparking muscle development.
John says with this kind of regular training women can expect to notice a difference in the shape of their behind in just four weeks.
THE DIETICIAN - Rachel Scriven, from Food FX
Fad diets, very low-calorie diets, liquid diets, herbal concoctions, pills, powders and potions all claim to target problem areas like hips or thighs and promise you will drop huge amounts of weight fast. Remember the golden rule about any drastic diet: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"
Some people are genetically blessed and seem able to eat whatever they wish and not gain weight. Others just need to think about food to magically gain weight, which often ends up on the hips, butt and thighs.
So is there a Pippa diet?
Rachel says the most effective way to lose body fat and keep it off is by doing regular exercise matched with a slightly reduced energy intake.
"Eat something small every two to three hours to prevent food cravings and overeating. Eat a balanced food intake containing wholegrain carbohydrate, lean proteins and fruits/veges. Practise 'portion control' - try not to overeat. Don't skip your favourite 'naughty' foods. Just eat very occasionally and in small amounts."
Rachel recommends a decent breakfast but a lighter evening meal. And forgo your evening bottle of pinot gris. "Instead, drink plenty of water so thirst and hunger are not confused."
THE SURGEON - Adam Bialostocki, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon at Bay Plastic Surgery
The UK's Daily Mail reports that plastic surgeons have noted a 60 per cent rise in bum-lifting procedures since the Royal Wedding with insiders nicknaming it the "Pip package".
Here in the Bay women are not queuing up for it, says plastic surgeon Adam Bialostocki.
"No one has come in and requested Pippa's derriere. The difficulty with patients asking for a certain celebrity's feature is that the patient is often physically unlike that celebrity so the outcome they hope to achieve is, in fact, not going to be possible.
Instead, for those unhappy with the shape of their bottoms, Adam would discuss a procedure to enhance existing physical attributes.
"Over the years I have had a number of patients attend for contouring. I have avoided the silicone buttock implants due to overseas reports of complications, and have favoured fat-grafting, instead. Because of our population in NZ, it's more likely a patient will ask for a smaller volume than ask me to add to what they've already got.
"I use selective tumescent liposuction to shape the buttock area, and I'm careful to point out that this tool is best for shaping rather than volume reduction.
"If you were to 'empty out' the buttocks you would end up with a very flattened and droopy appearance. By removing fat in the 'banana roll' area (between the back of the thigh and the buttock) for example, you can accentuate shape nicely. Coupled with some lower back liposuction and the 'saddlebags' will create shape, where there previously wasn't any."
Adam says liposuction should be carried out only by a qualified surgeon under a general anaesthetic for patient safety and comfort. Costs vary because of the duration of a procedure and the area in question.
"Smaller areas could be $4k, whereas more extensive treatment could be up to $12k."
THE FASHION STYLIST - Meghan Bowker, Repertoire stylist
Smart girls know that they may not have the perfect body but, with the right clothes, you can fake it. Meghan Bowker tells us how to show off your assets with confidence.
"Sadly, a bottom like Pippa Middleton's is rare, as the most common female shape is proportionately wider in the lower body and smaller in the upper body. I spend a lot of time with women in the fitting room trying to hide concerns about their bottom," says Meghan.
"Firstly, I suggest wearing good quality underwear - it can be as effective as a bum lift. When making an investment in quality underwear it is essential to visit a specialised lingerie store, where you will be fitted correctly and be given good advice from a trained consultant.
"I am a huge fan of seamless undies as panty lines can be unflattering and draw unwanted attention to that area. Avoid tight or fitted clothing that accentuates the bottom and be careful with light colours, prints, patterns, or shiny fabrics. Strong detailing such as pockets on or around this area should also be avoided. Make sure that your tops finish above or below your bottom, avoiding your widest part.