Toe Squat with Overhead Reach

Toe Squat with Overhead Reach - works arms, thighs and legs

This exercise is a cousin to yoga's utkatasana. When you press your knees firmly together, imagine you're holding something precious between them: A love letter. A favorite photo. A sandwich.

Come into a chair pose, abs engaged, inner knees and ankles touching, hips lowered to a half-squat, dumbbell over your head.

Now come up onto the balls of your feet and keep your lower legs controlled as you lower and lift your butt, about 4 inches.

Take your time and keep yourself steady as you lift and lower, between 8 and 12 times.

(courtesy of fitnessmagazine.com)