After three children, Melissa Gorga definitely worries about how her body looks in a bikini — but not in the way one would think. “I know there’s a lot of women who try to minimize their backsides . . . but I actually want a bigger booty!” the married mom of Antonia, 7, Gino, 5, and Joey, 3, told Us Weekly at a bikini photo shoot for our annual Hot Bodies issue, out Fri., May 24. “I do a lot of squats and lunges to bulk and lift it up.”

Sticking to a strict thrice weekly workout schedule, Gorga, 34, often hits up group classes at New York City’s Soul Cycle, or lifts weights with her husband of eight years, Joe Gorga. Admitting that she was about 10 pounds heavier when she first met her husband, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star slimmed down after each of her kids was born.

Teaching healthy habits to her three children from a young age, the fit “I Just Wanna” singer — who donned a sexy red Inca bikini at Us Weekly‘s shoot — says she’s become more conscious of showing skin as a mom. “I’m a firm believer in showing a little bit, but keeping a lot a secret,” Gorga tells Us, adding that her stomach is her favorite body part. “If I’m going to show leg, then I’m not going to show much boob. I feel like everything in small drips is great.”

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Vowing never to deprive herself of her favorite sweet treats or Sunday Italian dinners, Gorga — who reaches for berries when cravings hit — is willing to log hours at the gym to see results. “I definitely work out now harder than I’ve ever worked out in my life. It came naturally to me before I had children, and now I have to work for it, which I’m used to. I’ve always been a hard worker. I don’t mind working for it.”

For much more from Melissa Gorga, pick up Us Weekly‘s annual Hot Bodies issue, on stands Friday!

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