4 exercises that build strength, not bulk
Masterfile
4 moves to build strength (not bulk!)
Squat and squeeze
Stand with hands on hips, ball between thighs. Squeeze ball as you lower into a squat, until thighs are parallel to floor, lifting arms to shoulder height. Hold for five counts. Return to standing. Do 10 to 12 reps.
Perfect your form: Avoid bending knees beyond toes.
Dial it down: Keep hands on hips.
Amp it up: Increase reps and try squatting even lower.
Toning ball slam
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, holding ball overhead. Engage your core as you drive arms down to slam ball onto floor in front of you, bending knees as you follow through. Quickly squat, using legs (not bending your back!), to pick up ball. Do 10 to 12 reps.
Perfect your form: Avoid locking elbows.
Dial it down: Do fewer reps.
Amp it up: Increase reps.
Side kick
Hold ball in your hands at chest. Shift weight onto one leg as you draw opposite knee into chest. Kick leg out to side, then immediately draw knee back into chest. Briefly touch foot to floor before kicking again. Do 10 to 12 reps. Switch sides.
Perfect your form: Keep abs engaged for balance.
Dial it down: Ditch the ball.
Amp it up: Increase reps.
Pullover crunches
Lie on back with knees bent, feet flat on floor. Hold ball behind your head, arms outstretched, keeping a good bend at elbows. Swing arms forward and engage abs to come up into a crunch, bringing ball toward legs. Do 10 to 12 reps.
Perfect your form: Engage chest and abs and avoid lifting from neck.
Dial it down: Ditch the ball.
Amp it up: Increase reps.
Click here to see all of our 10-minute workouts.
GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.
Subscribe to Chatelaine!
Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.