Inner Thigh/Core Challenge

Time is a precious commodity. I love exercises that target more than one area at the same time. This move of the week focuses on toning the inner thighs while challenging your core (particularly the oblique abs), while stabilizing your body during the exercise. You will need a kitchen chair or low table or stepladder – something that will allow free movement underneath. Come into a side plank supporting yourself on your bottom forearm, keeping your hips and shoulders stacked, abs engaged, place your top flexed foot on the chair with the bottom leg underneath. Holding the side plank position, slowly lift your bottom leg to the chair and lower. Do 15 reps and then hold your leg up for a count of 15. Repeat on the other side.

Notes: Keep the shoulders relaxed and do not hold your breath. Try not to let your hips move or drop during the exercise.

Easier: Do fewer reps. Rest your bottom leg in between reps. Do not use the chair or side plank. Lie flat on your side with your top leg held up at hip level. Lift and lower the bottom leg to meet the top one and then to the floor.

Harder: Do more reps and hold for a longer count. Raise your top arm. Change the side plank from your forearm to your hand (straight arm plank).