Balance exercise helps arms, abs, buttocks and thighs
This exercise combines movements to target your arm, abdominal, buttock and thigh muscles all at once. Don’t be surprised if one leg is harder to balance on than the other -- we all have a more dominant side. That’s why it’s important to train them equally.
1. Begin by standing with feet together and hands at your sides. Lunge back with your left leg, bending both knees to 90 degrees. Make sure your right knee is directly above your right ankle. Straighten and raise both arms overhead, palms facing inward with your biceps near your ears. Pause for 2 seconds, pulling in your abdominals to support an upright spine.
2. Keep your torso vertical as you push off your left foot and straighten your right leg. Bend your left knee, bringing your toes next to your right inner knee. Simultaneously, lower both arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Pause for 2 seconds, maintaining your balance while standing on your right leg. If you find it difficult to balance, don’t lift your left knee quite so high in the beginning. You can bring your toes next to your right inner calf until you feel more stable. Repeat five to eight times on the left side, then switch legs, lunging back on your right leg and balancing on your left leg.
Karen Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including “Sleek Essentials.”
