Squats & the imaginary chair
5. Squats
Squats aren't just good for toning thighs and calves, they can help strengthen your lower back too.- Stand hip-width apart, keep your back straight, tummy pulled in, hands on your hips then slowly bend your knees, so that you're squatting down.
- You can lean forward to keep your balance but you must keep your back straight.
- Slowly come back up to the starting position.
- The slower you do the squats the better a workout you give your thighs. Do 12 repetitions.
6. The imaginary chair
Another tough one but you can build up to doing more each day - and you can do it while watching the telly.
- Stand up straight with your back against a wall.
- Rest your arms and hands against the wall and slowly - while bending your knees - lower yourself down as if you're about to sit on a chair.
- When you're in the 'chair' position hold the pose for as long as you can - most people can only manage a few seconds, that's ok, you can build up the time the more you do.
- Make sure you keep your back straight and your tummy pulled in.
- Aim to hold for 10 seconds to start with and build up to a minute. Do five repetitions each day.
By Louise O'Connell
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