Good Form: Band practice
This is a simple yet challenging way to strengthen your gluteal and hamstring muscles. The stretch band adds resistance to increase the intensity of this move, but you can also get the benefits without it.
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart. Stretch a resistance band across your hips and anchor the band on each end with your hands. Raise your hips up to the ceiling, further stretching the band. Hold your hips up as you straighten your right leg in front of you, forming a 45-degree angle with the floor.
Press down on your left heel and keep your hips in the air as you lower your straight right leg toward the ground. Keep it slightly elevated and pulse it up and down 15 to 25 times. Be sure to keep your hips lifted off the floor and squarely facing the ceiling throughout the entire exercise. Repeat on the other side.
Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including “Full Body Stretch” and “Ballet BodySculpt.”
