Side-to-side lunges for a cardio burst

Burn unwanted calories while you tone and shape your legs and butt with this multitask exercise -- a variation of a side lunge. When performed in high reps, this move can rev up your heart rate because it works the large muscles of your body: the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes.

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1 Stand in a comfortably wide stance with your toes facing forward and your arms straight out to the sides at shoulder level. Keep your body centered and upright. Inhale and bend your left knee. Transfer most of your body weight over your left leg, sitting back on your left heel with your right leg still straight and right foot flat on the floor. Bend your left elbow, pointing your fingertips to the right.

2 On an exhale, strongly push off your left leg, bringing yourself to an upright position standing on your right leg. Lift your left leg about 6 inches off the floor. Simultaneously bend your right arm and straighten your left arm. Pause for a moment, then repeat by lowering yourself over your left leg and pushing off again. Complete 12 reps, then switch to the other side.

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

--Karen Voight