Curtsy Lunge
If you’re a lady looking for new ways to target your “saddlebags,” look no further than the balance-challenging curtsy lunge.
1.    Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, your hands on your hips.
2.    Step backward with your left leg, placing the ball of your left foot several feet behind and to the right of your right foot in a comfortable position. If this challenges your balance, take a moment to steady yourself.
3.    Keeping your torso upright, bend both knees and begin lowering yourself steadily toward the floor. To help protect yourself from injury, keep your right heel planted solidly on the floor.
4.    Reverse the movement when your knees form 90 degree angles and return to the starting position.
5.    Switch legs and repeat on the opposite side.

Lateral Leg Swings
Lateral leg swings are a fun (and relatively easy!) way to target your inner and outer thighs while also enhancing hip flexibility.
1.    Stand about 12 to 18 inches behind a sturdy chair with your hands resting lightly on the chair back for balance.
2.    Lift your right foot off the floor and allow it to dangle between the chair and your left foot.
3.    Swing your right leg out to the right side of your body as high as you can, then swing it back across the center line, swinging it as high as you can in the opposite direction.
4.    Continue swinging your right foot back and forth in front of your body, making sure you’re always retaining complete control of the movement rather than relying on momentum.

Plie Squat
Plie squats are a fun way to target your inner thighs while still working all the muscles used in a traditional squat exercise. Before you know it you’ll have the svelte legs of a ballet dancer.
1.    Stand with a wide stance, approximately three feet between your legs with your toes pointed out.
2.    Place your hands on your hips and keep your chest pointing straight in front of you.
3.    Bend your knees and press the weight of your body through your heels as you lower your butt toward the floor. When your knees form 90 degree angles, reverse the movement and return to standing.

Physioball Hamstring Curls
Rather than using a hamstring curl machine, challenge your balance while enhancing your leg strength with the physioball hamstring curl.
1.    Lie on your back on a mat with your heels balanced on top of a physioball, your legs fully extended.
2.    Lift your hips off the floor so your body forms a straight line from your heels to your shoulder blades.
3.    Tighten your hamstrings and press your heels into the ball as you pull the ball toward your hips.
4.    When your knees bent and pointing toward the ceiling, roll the ball away from you as you fully extend your legs.

Perform two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions of each of these exercises.

Laura Williams is a freelance health and fitness writer with a master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She has eight years of aquatics, fitness and recreation management experience.