Chair Raise
Find a sturdy chair and sit on it. Using your legs and squeezing your glutes, raise your body up to a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart, then sit again. Do three sets of eight to 12 repetitions, resting between sets. If this is too easy, you can remove the chair and do the same move, never letting your glutes drop below your kneecaps. Be careful not to let your knees bend over your toes. As you get more comfortable, hold on to dumbbells to increase your workout.
Chest Press
You can do this exercise with any kind of weights: bottles of water, dumbbells, or a barbell. Lie on your back on a bench (or an exercise ball) so your shoulders and head are supported. Hold the weights about shoulder-width apart, then push up. As you press the weights upward, keep them above your chest. Push up for two counts, hold for two counts, then lower the weights for two counts. Do a set of eight to 12 reps, rest, then do another two sets.
Tricep Dip
Find a sturdy chair or bench and sit on the edge with your hands placed just under your glutes. Walk your feet forward so just your hands are on the chair. Keeping your elbows close to your body and your triceps facing the ceiling, bend your elbows and lower your glutes. When you’re almost to the ground, push and straighten your arms. Repeat for eight to 12 reps. For an added challenge, cross one leg over the other while performing this exercise.
—S.S.
