MOVE: The Ballet Lunge Lift 

WHAT IT DOES: Strengthens and tones the front and back of your upper legs, leading to longer, leaner thighs and better balance. It also works your core and your arms, but the focus is on your legs. 

HOW TO DO IT: (watch the moving image to see Mary Helen Bowers performing this move.)

1. Begin by standing on your right leg in a ballet lunge, with your right knee slightly bent into a dem-plie and your left leg stretched out behind you in tendu (toes touching the floor). 
2. Stretch your standing knee straight and lift your back leg off the floor into an arabesque en l’air. Don’t worry about how high your back leg is here—you can start with your foot just off the floor and lift higher in time as you gain strength and stability. 
3. As you lift your back leg high, pull in through your stomach, engaging your stomach and center. 
4. Lift your arms up into a wide “v” position and stretch both knees. 
5. Lower your back toes down to the floor, returning to your starting postion, a ballet lunge. Bring your arms down at the same time without collapsing your back and uper body. Do four sets of eight.