Ball squat with front raise

For butt, thighs, and shoulders

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides, pressing a stability ball between your lower back and a wall.

B. Keeping the ball pressed against the wall, squat until thighs are nearly parallel to the floor and lift arms in front of you to shoulder height. Hold this position for 2–3 seconds, then lower your arms and return to standing. Do 3 sets of 10–12 reps, holding the last rep in each set for 10–15 seconds, and resting for 30 seconds between sets.

Trainer tip: For more of a challenge, hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand or a 10-pound medicine ball with both hands through­out the move.

Ball pull-in

For core, chest, and shoulders

A. Kneel with stability ball in front of you, then walk hands forward, rolling up on the ball until it’s beneath your shins and your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet.

B. Keep upper body stationary, and pull ball in toward chest with both legs. Return to extended position to complete 1 rep. Do 3 sets of 10–12 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.

Trainer tip: Keep your chin tucked throughout the move. For an extra challenge, target the muscles on the sides of your stomach by twisting your right knee toward your left side (and vice versa) when you pull the ball in.

Thigh Shaper

From Health magazine

For inner and outer thighs

Lie on your left side on the floor with the ball between your calves. Support your head with your left hand and balance yourself with your right hand on the floor in front of you. Squeeze the ball between your legs, slightly lifting your left leg off the floor.

Hold for a second, then relax; that’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets of 10–12 reps, resting up to 30 seconds between sets; repeat on your right side.