Sleeker Thighs in 3 Moves

Advanced

1. Single-Leg Hip Curl

Targets hamstrings (back of thigh)
Lie faceup on floor, legs extended, arms at sides and heels shoulder-width apart on a stability ball. Raise hips toward ceiling and hold. Lift your right leg off the ball, pointing toes toward ceiling. Slowly pull the ball toward your body using your left leg; keep hips lifted. Roll back to start and repeat; do 8 to 10 reps per leg.

2. Flamingo Squat

Targets quads (front of thigh)
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise right leg about 3 inches off the floor and squat down with left leg, bending knee about 45 degrees. Straighten leg and repeat, balancing on left side; keep right leg elevated. Do 8 to 10 reps per side.

3. Single-Leg Knee Adduction

Targets adductors (inner thighs)
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, lift right leg off the floor, bending right knee 90 degrees; keep hands on hips. Bring right leg 45 degrees away from body, balancing on left leg. From this position, bring right knee toward right side and back toward center. Do 8 to 10 reps; return to start and repeat on opposite side.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, December 2006.