A Thigh Exercise You Can Do in Your Doorway

Try this thigh-sculpting move in the comfort of your own home, and see it work some magic on your gams. This barre-optional exercise from Pure Barre helps shape the body without the need for any equipment. Try it tonight!

The Setup

If you don't have a barre in your home, find a doorway you can stand in easily.

• Stand straight with your heels together and toes slightly apart to form a V shape. Bend your knees and place your palms against either side of the doorway for balance.
• Picture the barre behind your lower back, which will help remind you to tuck your pelvis under and pull your abdominals in.

Step One

• Extend the right leg straight out in front of you, with pointed toes.
• Take two counts to lift the right leg up until the foot reaches hip height, then lower it back down for two counts. Repeat five times.

Step Two

• On the last leg lift, keep your right leg up. Try to hold your leg in the highest position you can.
• Bend your right knee, and then lengthen it back to straight. Do this 10-15 times.
• Remember to keep your left knee bent to help stabilize your body.

See the rest of the variations and cooldown after the break!

Step Three

• On your last bent-knee extension, keep the right leg up and out.
• Lift the leg one tiny inch, reaching higher each time. Complete 10 to finish. Repeat the series on the opposite side.

Cooldown

• After completing both sides, take a moment to stretch by coming into this lunge position. Your hands should frame your front foot while your back knee rests on the ground. Hold this for 15-30 seconds before switching to the other side.

Model: Pure Barre instructor Juliann Witt at Pure Barre San Francisco, CA