Firm up the back of the thigh for a stronger leg

The fronts of our thighs are often stronger than the backs because the fronts get used more often in everyday activities. To balance your leg strength, add this move to your workouts. You can wear ankle weights for more of a challenge.

-- Karen Voight

Step 1 Stand with your feet together while holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent at your waist. Shift your body weight over your left leg, bend your right knee, raising your right heel off the floor, toes touching the floor.

Step 2 Simultaneously raise both arms out to the sides at shoulder level and raise your right heel toward your buttocks. Keep your right knee pointed down to the floor; don’t allow it to turn out to the side. Pause for a moment with your arms up and heel as high as you can get it. Lower your arms and foot to the start position and do 12 to 15 reps on each leg.

Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.