Shape things up with this easy routine — all you’ll need is a small circular exercise band
Then just repeat this circuit three times through, twice a week.
Philip Friedman/Studio D
Shuffler
Works butt, hips, and thighs
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, knees bent and band around thighs. Step right foot to right (as shown), then bring left foot to meet it. Take 10 steps to right, then repeat to left. Make sure to keep legs far enough apart so band is always taut.
Bridge Boost
Philip Friedman/Studio D
Works butt, abs, and outer thighs
Loop band above knees and lie faceup with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Raise hips so body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (as shown); press thighs away from each other. Pause for five seconds; lower to start. Do 10 reps. Mastered the bridge? Lift toes and/or extend arms above chest to challenge your balance, activating your abs.
Side-Kick
Philip Friedman/Studio D
Works butt, thighs, and hamstrings
Lie on left side, legs extended, band around thighs. Prop yourself up on left forearm; place right hand in front of you for balance. Lift right leg to hip height, bending knee toward chest (as shown), then sweep right leg behind you, touching toe to floor for one rep. Continue for 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat. Throughout, keep top hip directly over bottom hip and belly pulled toward spine, with space between shoulders and ears.
Watch the Moves in Action
This story originally appeared in the August 2016 issue of Good Housekeeping.
