How to Tone Your Booty and Thighs

Moves that challenge multiple body parts at once are my time-saving tricks when squeezing a much-needed workout into my hectic schedule. This variation on the single leg squat will challenge your balance and tone your glutes. Standing on one leg forces your core to work, and that little side kick works on the toning the troublesome saddlebag area.

For detailed instructions, continue reading.

• Stand with both feet together. Clasp your hands in a fist in front of your chest, or if you want more of a challenge, hold a dumbbell on top of each shoulder. Put all your weight into your left foot and bend your knees slightly. Lift your right foot off the floor an inch, keeping it flexed. This is the start position. Lift your right leg out to side, doing a side leg lift. Then lower it so it's parallel with your left leg but without letting your right leg touch the floor.
• Then bend your right knee, bringing your right shin so it's parallel with the floor. Bend your left knee and do a balancing squat.
• Come back to the start position and complete three sets of 12 to 15 side leg squats on each side.

Single-leg moves help even out strength discrepancies between right and left and are great for runners. If you're thinking of ski season already, this move will prep you for mountain time.