JUMP FOR LEANER LEGS

When you incorporate jump squats into your lower-body workouts, you get both cardio and strength benefits. If you like jump squats but want to put more emphasis on your inner thighs, consider substituting this move from Sue West, nationally renowned ballet instructor and star of the fitness DVD The Seasons of Fitness.

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PLIÉ JUMP SQUAT

START: Stand erect with your feet wider than shoulder width and your toes pointed outward. Extend your arms out to your sides or put your hands on your hips and squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor; this is the bottom position.

MOVEMENT: Jump up. Make sure you land through your foot: toes down, then arches, then heels. Bend your knees, returning to the bottom position, and repeat immediately. Perform 20-25 reps total before resting.

TIP: This will be a little jump - don’t expect the same height as you can achieve on a standard jump squat.

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