Use your body weight to boost this workout

To help firm up and slim down your hips and thighs, perform this lateral lunge. Instead of heavy weights, this variation uses light dumbbells and your own body weight to provide a challenging workout for your lower body.

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1 Start with your feet farther apart than your shoulders, toes pointed forward. Hold a 3- to 5-pound dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing each other. Keep your chest lifted and your abdominals pulled in toward your spine.

2 Bend your left knee while keeping your right leg straight. Both feet should remain flat on the floor throughout the exercise. Align your left knee over your toes and sit back with your hips as if you were sitting in a chair. Reach forward with your hands, bringing the dumbbells to your ankle. Pause for a moment, then push off with your left leg and return to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 12 lunges on each leg.

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-- Karen Voight