Our Top 10 Thigh Exercises

Toe Squat with Overhead Reach

This exercise is a cousin to yoga's utkatasana. When you press your knees firmly together, imagine you're holding something precious between them: A love letter. A favorite photo. A sandwich.

Do it:

• Come into a chair pose, abs engaged, inner knees and ankles touching, hips lowered to a half-squat, dumbbell over your head.
• Now come up onto the balls of your feet and keep your lower legs controlled as you lower and lift your butt, about 4 inches.
• Take your time and keep yourself steady as you lift and lower, between 8 and 12 times.

VIDEO: See Toe Squat with Overhead Reach