Our Top 10 Thigh Exercises

The Single-Leg Circle

A masochistic Pilates instructor once told me that once the single-leg circle got too easy, I should try spelling out the alphabet with each leg. I've yet to get past LMNO.

Do it:

• Lie back on the mat with your arms by your sides and your palms facing down.
• Begin by pointing with your left foot, as if reaching out with your toes toward the ceiling, and rotate your leg slightly outward.
• Inhale, and trace a circle on the ceiling with your left leg, moving your whole leg, but keeping your hips still. Don't lift your left hip off the floor.
• Trace the circle on the ceiling 5 times in a clockwise direction. Repeat in a counter-clockwise direction.
• Switch legs and repeat 5 times.