A good compound leg exercise is the scissor squat using a stability ball. To perform this exercise, place the ball against the wall, and with your legs in a scissor position with the right leg in the forward position, lean against the ball with your right arm hung over the ball. The ball should be resting against the right side of your rib cage and under your right arm. Now squat, bending both your knees while keeping your torso straight . Stop once your left knee is a couple inches from the floor and return to the upright starting position. Perform 12-15 of these, then switch sides and do the same with the left leg forward and the ball placed against the left side of your rib cage. You will feel this exercise in your glutes, your hams, and your quads, and possibly even your calves. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Melissa Allen, BS, CPT, CES. Please visit my website at http://www.optimumcondition.org/