Lower Body Workout

1. Standing tall with a tight core and flat back, hold a barbell or a pair of dumbbells in front of you. Hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.
2. Maintaining a tight core and flat back, bend your knees slightly and push your hips back. Keep your arms extended and the weight close to the body. Once you feel the contraction in the back of your legs, slowly return to the starting position.

1. Place a barbell in a clear space on the floor. (Make sure there are no obstructions in your way.
2. Stand facing the barbell with your legs about 4-6 inches from the bar.
3. Place your feet shoulder width apart.Your feet can be pointed straight ahead or turned outwards slightly.
4. Squat down, keeping your back straight and grip the bar with an overhand grip at shoulder width.
5. Keep your arms fully extended and stand up with the barbell.
6. As you lift the barbell, your hips and shoulders should rise together and your back should be straight.
7. As you reach the top of the lift and are standing straight, rotate your shoulders back slightly until you feel a slight stretch in them.
8. Lower the barbell back to the floor in the same squatting motion you used to lift it.

This exercise can be very dangerous if performed incorrectly. If you are a novice, only perform this exercise with an experienced trainer's supervision.

1. Place a barbell on the floor and stand facing it with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward and your knees slightly bent. This is the start position.
2. As you exhale, bend at the waist keeping your back straight and knees slightly bent until you feel tension in your hamstrings.
3. Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip. Your arms should be fully extended with your hands spaced shoulder width apart.
4. Lift the barbell by extending your hips and waist in a smooth action until you have returned to the upright position, inhaling as you do so.
5. Pause for a count of 1-2.
6. Return the barbell to the floor or just above it by repeating step two.
7. Repeat.

This exercise should be avoided by those who suffer from lower back problems. To avoid injury, keep your back and torso straight at all times throughout this movement. This exercise can be performed using dumbbells or a straight bar attached to the low pulley of a cable station.

1. Place two dumbbells on the floor.
2. Stand facing the dumbbells with your feet shoulder width apart.
3. Bend knees and hips to lower your torso in a squatting movement,keep your back straight.
4. At the bottom of the squat grip the dumbbells with an overhand grip,keeping your arms fully extended.
5. Return to an upright position holding the dumbbells with your palms facing towards your body and extending your hips forward. Do not round your back.
6. Return the dumbbells to the floor in the same manner you picked them up.
7. Repeat.

1. Holding the handles of the resistance band, step on to the middle. Place your feet at shoulder-width with toes pointing forward. Tighten your core and keep your chest up.
2. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back but NOT lower than your knees. Again, keep the chest up. This is the starting position.
3. Forcefully contract your glutes, driving them forward. Do not just lean back. Your glutes should be fully contracted. Pause then return to the starting position.

1. Place an appropriate amount of weight on a barbell in a squat rack. Once ready, position yourself underneath the barbell. Keep your core tight and drive your hips forward to lift the barbell off the rack. Step away from the rack. Secure the barbell on your traps and make sure your core is braced before beginning.
2. Step out with the left foot, leaving the right foot behind. From this position, lower the back right knee towards the ground. Push up with your front left leg. Please note that you will not kick back up into a regular standing position until all repetitions have been completed.
3. Continue this up and down pattern. Switch sides and perform the same pattern with the right leg in front.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.

1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
8. Hold for a count of one.
9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

1. Begin by positioning a barbell at or just below shoulder level in the squat rack. Behind the squat rack, place a tall wooden box or chair. Place yourself underneath the barbell. Make sure the bar is across your upper traps and NOT on your neck.
2. Place your feet outside of shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
3. Bend at the knees as you drive your hips back. Lower yourself slowly until your butt touches the box. Pause then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
2. Bring your hands to your shoulders, keeping the handles of the band behind your shoulders. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
3. Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Be sure to keep the chest up and abdominals tight. There should be no arch in your back.
4. Pause when your thighs are parallel with the floor, then slowly return to the starting position, feeling the tension from the band in your quadriceps.

• Standing sideways with your left side facing the weight stack of a pulley machine, attach an ankle cuff to the right ankle.
• Hold the machine for balance if you need to and slowly lift your right leg up to the right side.
• Pause and slowly return your right leg to starting position.
• Repeat the movement.

1. Lie on your right side on top of a yoga mat or other soft surface.
2. Brace your core and make sure your body is in a straight line. Keep your right hand on the ground and your left hand on your hip.
3. Slowly lift the left leg into the air, keeping it straight during the exercise.
4. Slowly lower your left leg. Complete the set then repeat with the other leg.

1. Place a resistance band around your knees
2. Lay sidewise on an exercise mat with your knees, together, pointing forwards and bent at a 90 degree angle.
3. Keeping your feet in a fixed position, lift your upper knee about 8 – 10 inches away from your lower knee.
4. Hold this extended position for 1 second before slowly lowering your knee back to its starting position.

Do not perform if you have had recent knee injuries.

• Attach an ankle strap around your right ankle. Stand tall in front of a cable machine with a flat back and tight core. Use the cable machine for balance, if necessary.
• While balancing on your left foot, move your right foot up and back. Pause at the top of the movement then slowly bring the foot down. Do not let your right foot touch the ground before repeating.
• Once finished, repeat on the other side.

1. Position yourself on all fours on a mat.
2. Position your hands underneath your shoulders and place your knees under your hips.
3. Keep your right knee bent at 90 degrees and flex the foot as you lift the knee until it is level with the hip.
4. Lower the knee without touching the floor and repeat the lift.
5. Once you’ve completed the reps on the right leg, switch legs.

1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform  and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
5. Repeat.
6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.

Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
8. Hold for a count of one.
9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

1. Begin by positioning a barbell at or just below shoulder level in the squat rack. Behind the squat rack, place a tall wooden box or chair. Place yourself underneath the barbell. Make sure the bar is across your upper traps and NOT on your neck.
2. Place your feet outside of shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
3. Bend at the knees as you drive your hips back. Lower yourself slowly until your butt touches the box. Pause then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Set up an adductor machine by selecting and appropriate weight and adjusting the seat and leg pads to a comfortable position.
2. If fitted, grasp the handles on each side of the machine.
3. Keep your entire upper body straight and stationary with your back pressed firmly against the back rest. This is the start position.
4. While exhaling, press against the legs pads of the machine with your legs, and bring your thighs close together.
5. When you feel a slight stretching in your adductors, pause for a count of one squeezing them as you do so.
6. In a controlled movement, return to the start position, inhaling as you do so.
7. Repeat.

• Standing sideways with your left side facing the weight stack of a pulley machine, attach an ankle cuff to the right ankle.
• Hold the machine for balance if you need to and slowly lift your right leg up to the right side.
• Pause and slowly return your right leg to starting position.
• Repeat the movement.

1. Lie on your right side on top of a yoga mat or other soft surface.
2. Brace your core and make sure your body is in a straight line. Keep your right hand on the ground and your left hand on your hip.
3. Slowly lift the left leg into the air, keeping it straight during the exercise.
4. Slowly lower your left leg. Complete the set then repeat with the other leg.

1. On a mat or comfortable surface, lie on your left side. Place your left hand behind your head while placing your right hand across your body.
2. Bend your stacked knees so that your feet are behind you. Begin the movement by lifting the right knee up while keeping the feet together.
3. Pause at the top of the movement and slowly lower your right knee down to the starting position.

1. Sitting on a calf raise machine, position your upper thighs under the top pad. The pad should be resting just above your knees.
2. Place the balls of your feet on the foot plate.
3. Keeping the balls of your feet in position, lower your heels as far as possible.
4. Slowly raise your heels as if standing on your toes. Continue as far as possible until you feel a stretch in your lower calves. Hold for a count of one.
5. Slowly lower your heels back to the starting position and repeat.

If the machine isn't equipped with foot plates, you can use barbell plates placed under the machine to increase your range of motion. Don't

1. Adjust the seated leg curl machine to position the footpad just above your heels.
2. Sit upright and engage your abs as you position your legs in front of you.
3. Begin to curly your legs back slowly towards you and flex your calf muscles as you do so.
4. Return to the starting position by extending the legs in front of you again.

Tip: Try not to swing the weight or execute the movement too quickly.

1. Lie face down on a leg curl machine and lock your heels under the foot pad. Make sure your legs are fully extended and the foot pads are resting on the back of your ankles.
2. If the machine is equipped with handles, grip them. If not, grip the front of the pad you are lying on.
3. Remaining flat on the bench, with no arching of your spine, curl your legs up in a smooth arcing motion by bending your knees until your hamstrings are fully contracted. Hold for a count of one.
4. Slowly lower your legs to the starting position in a smooth arcing motion.
5. Repeat

Don't use so much weight for this exercise that you need to swing or jerk the weight up. Doing so can cause injury to your lower back and / or hamstrings. Start with a lower weight until your strength increases.

1. Begin with a light weight and stand facing the machine. Position one leg for the lift by hooking it under the weight pad.
2. Make sure the pads are in a comfortable position around your ankle in order to involve the heel in the movement. Don’t position the pads too high on the calf.
3. Grab hold of the support handles.
4. Flex your knee and lift the pad upwards as far as you can towards your buttocks as you exhale.
5. Lower the leg to the starting position.

1. Lie on the ground with a TRX Suspension Strap at your feet. Lift both your feet into the strap, making sure they are secure. Tighten your core and place your hands at your sides.
2. Drive your hips up while maintaining a straight line with your body. Curl your feet in, moving them towards your butt. Maintain balance with your hands on the ground.
3. Once your feet reach your butt, slowly extend your feet back to the starting position. Do not allow your hips to drop. Contract the core during the entire movement.

1. Sit on a leg extension machine and place your  legs under the pad with your feet pointed forward. The pad should rest on your shins just above your feet and you will need to adjust it to suit.
2. Grip the hand bars (if fitted) firmly. This is the start position.
3. Using  only your quadriceps, fully extend your legs exhaling as you do so. Hold for a count of one.
4. Return to the start position in a smooth movement as you inhale,.
5. The angle at your knee should not go past 90-degrees.
6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed one leg at a time.

1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor.
2. Raise one leg off the floor and bend your knee up towards your chest. Yhis is the start position.
3. Perform the exercise by pushing down through your other heel and pushing your hips up, raising your glutes off the mat. Continue until your hips are in a straight line with your torso. Hold for a count of one.
4. Return to the start position by lowering your hip to the floor.
5. Complete all the repetitions for one set before changing legs.

1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your back straight.
2. Place your hands out to your sides palms flat for stability.
3. Raise your glutes off the floor by extending your hips upward while pushing down through you heels.
4. Continue until your back, hips and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by lowering your hips back to the floor.
6. Pause then repeat.

1. Place two dumbbells on the floor.
2. Stand facing the dumbbells with your feet shoulder width apart.
3. Bend knees and hips to lower your torso in a squatting movement,keep your back straight.
4. At the bottom of the squat grip the dumbbells with an overhand grip,keeping your arms fully extended.
5. Return to an upright position holding the dumbbells with your palms facing towards your body and extending your hips forward. Do not round your back.
6. Return the dumbbells to the floor in the same manner you picked them up.
7. Repeat.

1. Place a barbell in a clear space on the floor. (Make sure there are no obstructions in your way.
2. Stand facing the barbell with your legs about 4-6 inches from the bar.
3. Place your feet shoulder width apart.Your feet can be pointed straight ahead or turned outwards slightly.
4. Squat down, keeping your back straight and grip the bar with an overhand grip at shoulder width.
5. Keep your arms fully extended and stand up with the barbell.
6. As you lift the barbell, your hips and shoulders should rise together and your back should be straight.
7. As you reach the top of the lift and are standing straight, rotate your shoulders back slightly until you feel a slight stretch in them.
8. Lower the barbell back to the floor in the same squatting motion you used to lift it.

This exercise can be very dangerous if performed incorrectly. If you are a novice, only perform this exercise with an experienced trainer's supervision.

1. Holding the handles of the resistance band, step on to the middle. Place your feet at shoulder-width with toes pointing forward. Tighten your core and keep your chest up.
2. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back but NOT lower than your knees. Again, keep the chest up. This is the starting position.
3. Forcefully contract your glutes, driving them forward. Do not just lean back. Your glutes should be fully contracted. Pause then return to the starting position.

1. Begin by standing with dumbbells in hand at your sides.
2. Place your feet hip-width apart.
3. Take a big step to the right with your right foot, keeping your arms straight.
4.  Land with your heel followed by the rest of your foot and flex the right knee so that you lower your hip and body until your knee and hip are at a 90 degree angle. Keep your left leg only slightly angled.
5. Return to the starting position by extending your right hip and knee. Once they are straight, bring your foot back in to a standing tall position.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.

1. Place a bench in front of you. Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand facing the bench. Brace your core and keep your gaze straight ahead.
2. Bring your right knee up and step up on to the bench. Placing all of the effort in your right leg, bring your body up into a standing position on the bench.
3. Slowly lower yourself to the starting position and switch legs.

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with dumbbells above your shoulders.
2. Squat down keeping your back flat and your knees over your toes.
3. Push through your heels to return to standing while pressing the dumbbells overhead with arms fully extended.
4. Return to starting position and repeat.

1. Clean two kettlebells to your shoulders. Clean the kettlebells to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebells towards your shoulders. Rotate your wrists as you do so. This will be your starting position.
2. Begin to squat by flexing your hips and knees, lowering your hips between your legs. Maintain an upright, straight back as you descend as low as you can.
3. At the bottom, reverse direction and stand by extending your knees and hips and pushing down through your heels. As you do so, press both kettlebells overhead by extending your arms straight up, using the momentum from the squat to help drive the weights upward.
4. As you begin the next repetition, return the weights to the shoulders.

• With water bottles at your sides, stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and feet pointing slightly outward. Look straight ahead.
• Squat down until your upper legs are parallel with the floor by bending your knees, keep your back straight.
• With an explosive but controlled movement, push up through your heels and press the water bottles above your head as you return to standing position.
• Still standing, slowly lower the water bottles down to your chest and then down to your sides by extending your arms.
• Repeat.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
8. Hold for a count of one.
9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
2. Bring your hands to your shoulders, keeping the handles of the band behind your shoulders. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
3. Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Be sure to keep the chest up and abdominals tight. There should be no arch in your back.
4. Pause when your thighs are parallel with the floor, then slowly return to the starting position, feeling the tension from the band in your quadriceps.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with water bottles as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Stand tall with a tight core while holding a pair of dumbbells. Keeping your chest up and your gaze straight ahead, shift all of your bodyweight to your left foot. Bend the right knee, allowing the right foot to lift off the ground.
2. Maintaining a flat back, tilt your upper body forward. Do not allow the dumbbells to pull you down. Control your descent. Simultaneously, allow the right foot to counterbalance the shift in weight.
3. Feel the contraction in your hamstrings and pause once your upper body is parallel with the ground. Slowly return to the starting position.

1. Place two dumbbells on the floor.
2. Stand facing the dumbbells with your feet shoulder width apart.
3. Bend knees and hips to lower your torso in a squatting movement,keep your back straight.
4. At the bottom of the squat grip the dumbbells with an overhand grip,keeping your arms fully extended.
5. Return to an upright position holding the dumbbells with your palms facing towards your body and extending your hips forward. Do not round your back.
6. Return the dumbbells to the floor in the same manner you picked them up.
7. Repeat.

1. Holding the handles of the resistance band, step on to the middle. Place your feet at shoulder-width with toes pointing forward. Tighten your core and keep your chest up.
2. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back but NOT lower than your knees. Again, keep the chest up. This is the starting position.
3. Forcefully contract your glutes, driving them forward. Do not just lean back. Your glutes should be fully contracted. Pause then return to the starting position.

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart while holding a light dumbbell to your chest. You should hold the dumbbell by one end between your hands, with the other end extending down your torso. This is the start position.
2. Squat down keeping your slightly arched and pushing your hips back.
3. Continue down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
4. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position.
6. Repeat.

This exercise can also be performed with a kettlebell.

1. Stand up straight with a tight core and flat back.
2. Position your feet wider than shoulder-width. Your toes should be facing out diagonally.
3. Holding a dumbbell with both hands in front of you, look straight ahead and bend at the knees while driving your hips backward. Your knees should be following your toes in a diagonal line.
4. Complete this wide stance squat by having your thighs come parallel with the ground.
5. Pause and slowly return to the starting position without locking your knees.
6. Repeat.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward.
2. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head (prisoner squat) or at the sides of your head.
3.  Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair.
4. Keep your back straight at all times.
5. Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps. Pause for a count of one. Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.
6. Return to the start position by pushing down through your heels and extending your hips forward until you are standing straight. Repeat.

1. Stand with your feet in a wide stance, with your toes slightly pointed outwards – like a sumo wrestler. Hold your hands together in front of your chest.
2. Keeping your back straight, lower your body towards the ground by bending your knees.
3. As you reach a fully squatting position (legs are bent at a 90-degree angle), hold the pose for 1 second before driving your feet into the floor and slowly push your body back up to the starting position.
4. For a bonus, tense your glutes at the top of the movement.

1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart and place your hands on your hips. This is the start position.
2. Step forward with either leg in a long stride. Keep your other foot in place behind you.
3. Bend your knees as you do this so your body is lowered towards the ground. Keep your back straight throughout the movement.
4. Continue down until your front knee is just above the ground. (Your front leg should be bent 90 degrees at the knee)
5. Hold for a count of one.
6. Push down through your front heel and extend both knees to return to the start position.
7. Pause then repeat with your other leg. When you have lunged with both legs, that is one repetition.
8. Repeat.

Try to keep your hands on your hips at all times, using your obliques to keep your balance.

1. Stand straight up with a tight core and flat back. Keep your gaze focused straight ahead as you step back with your right leg.
2. As you step forward into the starting position, launch the right leg into a front kick. Use the left side hand to touch your toe, if you are able to.
3. Return your right leg to the starting position. Repeat on other side. Keep alternating until you complete the set.

1. Stand straight – that’s the starting position. Step forward with your left leg and slowly lower your body until your front knee is bent at least 90 degrees, while your rear knee is just off the floor. Keep your torso upright the entire time. Look forward.
2. Pause, then push off your left foot off the floor and return to the starting position as quickly as you can.
3. On your next rep, step forward with your right leg. Continue to alternate back and forth—doing one rep with your left, then one rep with your right.

1. Standing with a braced core and flat back, bring your hands together at chest height. Position your feet to be at hip-width.
2. Beginning with the right foot, step backward and across your left foot. Simultaneously, bend the left knee and drop it towards the ground.
3. Stop when the front right knee is parallel with the ground. Push off the ground with your right foot and return to the starting position.

1. Position yourself on all fours on a mat.
2. Position your hands underneath your shoulders and place your knees under your hips.
3. Keep your right knee bent at 90 degrees and flex the foot as you lift the knee until it is level with the hip.
4. Lower the knee without touching the floor and repeat the lift.
5. Once you’ve completed the reps on the right leg, switch legs.

1. Position yourself on all fours with knees underneath the hips and wrists under the shoulders.
2. Engage your abs and keep your spine neutral, pulling the shoulder blades towards the hips.
3. Lengthen the left leg until it is straight out and in line with your hips while simultaneously raising and straightening your right arm until it is parallel to the floor. Keep your head and shoulders aligned at all times.
4. Gently lower your arm and leg back to the starting position and alternate with the other arm and leg.

1. Lie face down on a flat bench with your hips on the edge of the bench. Fully extend your legs and raise your feet up from the floor so that they are in line with your body .
2. Place your arms on top of the bench, using them to hold on to the front edge of the bench for stability.
3. Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings and straighten your legs until they are level with your hips. This is the start position.
4. Start the exercise by raising you left leg higher than your right leg.
5. Then lower the left leg as you lift the right leg and so on.
6. Alternate in this manner  until you have done all repetitions for each leg.

When performing this exercise, breathe normally. As your strength increases, you can add ankle weights.

1. Position yourself on all fours on a mat with your palms flat and shoulder-width apart. Place your knees hip-width apart and bend them at a 90 degree angle.
2. Try to relax your core so that your back and abs are in a natural position.
3. Maintain this posture as you raise your right knee and bring it as close to your chest as you can.
4. Now raise your right thigh out to the side, keeping the hips still.
5. Kick your raised leg straight back slowly until it is in line with your torso.
6. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.

1. Lie on your right side on top of a yoga mat or other soft surface.
2. Brace your core and make sure your body is in a straight line. Keep your right hand on the ground and your left hand on your hip.
3. Slowly lift the left leg into the air, keeping it straight during the exercise.
4. Slowly lower your left leg. Complete the set then repeat with the other leg.

1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your back straight.
2. Place your hands out to your sides palms flat for stability.
3. Raise your glutes off the floor by extending your hips upward while pushing down through you heels.
4. Continue until your back, hips and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by lowering your hips back to the floor.
6. Pause then repeat.

1. Lie on your right side on top of a yoga mat or other soft surface.
2. Brace your core and make sure your body is in a straight line. Keep your right hand on the ground and your left hand on your hip.
3. Slowly lift the left leg into the air, keeping it straight during the exercise.
4. Slowly lower your left leg. Complete the set then repeat with the other leg.

1. Place your feet at shoulder width apart while keeping your chest up and your abdominals braced.
2. Bend at the knees and drive your hips back as if you’re sitting in a chair. Continue to lower your body until your upper legs are parallel to the floor.
3. Then drive your hips forward and push through your quads and glutes  to return to a standing position.
4. Just as you reach the standing position, lift your chosen leg out to the side; it should be straight.
5. Lower your leg back so that you return to the starting position and repeat for the other side!

1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor.
2. Raise one leg off the floor and bend your knee up towards your chest. Yhis is the start position.
3. Perform the exercise by pushing down through your other heel and pushing your hips up, raising your glutes off the mat. Continue until your hips are in a straight line with your torso. Hold for a count of one.
4. Return to the start position by lowering your hip to the floor.
5. Complete all the repetitions for one set before changing legs.

1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your back straight.
2. Place your hands out to your sides palms flat for stability.
3. Raise your glutes off the floor by extending your hips upward while pushing down through you heels.
4. Continue until your back, hips and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by lowering your hips back to the floor.
6. Pause then repeat.

1. Begin in a push-up position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Your legs will be straight behind you and your core will be contracted.
2. Maintain a flat back as you bring your right foot forward and place it next to your right hand. Bend the left knee.
3. Hold this stretch for 20 to 40 seconds. Return your right foot behind you and bring your left foot forward.Continue alternating.

• Step forward with the left leg as your right knee comes all the way to the ground.
• Flatten your right foot out so the toes are pointing behind you.
• Placing your hands on your sides, gently push your hips slightly forward.
• You will feel the stretch in your right hip flexor.
• Switch sides and repeat.