One-Legged Squat

How to Do It: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and shoulders unhunched. Hold the back of a chair or the arm of a couch for balance.

Bend your left knee 90 degrees so that the sole of your foot faces away from you (shown, Step 1).

Visualize sitting back into a chair as you bend your right knee into a squat (shown, Step 2). Keep your left foot raised behind you throughout the exercise. Make sure your right knee remains directly over the right foot — do not turn it in or out or extend it over your ankle.

Push up from the sole of your right foot as you straighten that leg and return to the starting position.

Repetions: Do eight reps on each side, working your way up to three sets of 15 on each side.

Bonus Benefit: Squatting on one leg, even if you use a chair for help, will improve your balance.

Make It Harder: Hold your hands at your hips rather than on the chair — you’ll need to use your abs to keep from wobbling.