A leg up on strength

Shape your body with this simple move taken from traditional ballet classes. It is a graceful way to strengthen your back, buttocks and thighs.

*

1 Begin by standing on your left leg with your left hand resting on a bar or rail for balance. Bend your right knee and rotate your right thigh outward. Place your right ankle behind your left lower calf. Reach your right arm forward to shoulder height.

2 While keeping your right leg bent, tense the muscles in the right side of your buttocks and lift your right leg behind you. Bend the standing leg slightly and raise your right arm overhead. Lean your chest slightly forward as you raise your leg. Pause at the top of the lift. Lower it and bring your chest back over hips. Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps. Switch legs and repeat. Work toward doing three sets with each leg.

*

-- Karen Voight