The Ballerina Body Workout

Remember how you saw Black Swan last year and totally coveted Natalie Portman’s svelte bod? And remember how you meant to learn some ballet moves to tone up…but never got around to it? (It’s okay, we’re guilty too.)

For Your Hips and Butt

This is a surefire way to slim the sides of your butt and your outer hips.

(1) Hold onto the back of a chair or a windowsill with your right hand, and wrap your left arm across your waist so you are holding onto the support with both hands.

(2) Place your heels together and toes apart to form a V.

(3) Slide your left leg back on a diagonal to reach 7 o’clock, while softening your right leg and tucking your hips underneath you.

(4) Squeezing from your outer seat, lift your left foot a few inches off the ground, and flex.

(5) Pulse upward from your outer seat for 30 seconds.

(6) Still squeezing from your outer seat, pulse your left leg upward at a faster pace for 30 seconds.

(7) Point your toes, and repeat steps 5 and 6.

(8) Hold your left leg a few inches off the floor, and draw tiny circles in the air—keeping your seat engaged—for 15 seconds. Then reverse directions.

(9) Switch legs, and repeat.

For Your Buns and Thighs

By working the backs of your legs and the base of your derriere, you’ll firm up that “ledge” where they meet.

(1) Place your forearms on the chair or windowsill, and rest your head on your arms.

(2) Walk back so you are folded at a 90-degree angle—your back should be flat. Feet are hip-width apart and parallel.

(3) Bend your left knee, bringing your heel toward your seat and flexing your foot. Soften your right leg, and tuck your hips underneath you.

(4) Slowly press your heel up an inch then down an inch by squeezing the base of your left seat for 30 seconds.

(5) Repeat with smaller and faster movements for 30 seconds.

(6) Now extend your left leg straight back, and slowly lift it up and down an inch for 30 seconds.

(7) Repeat with smaller and faster lifts for 30 seconds.

(8) Switch legs, and repeat.

For Your Thighs and Core

This move targets your inner, outer, and upper thighs as well as your seat and core muscles. The payoff? Long, lean leg muscles and better posture.

(1) Hold onto the chair or windowsill with one hand, and place the other on your hip.

(2) Stand so your feet are wider than your hips, and turn your toes out slightly.

(3) Bend your knees, and lower your body, bringing your seat toward knee level.

(4) Slowly move down an inch, then up an inch, for 15 seconds.

(5) Repeat step 4 with smaller and faster tiny pulses for 30 seconds.

(6) Keeping your knees bent, rise onto the balls of your feet, and repeat step 4.

(7) Finally, stay on the balls of your feet (pretend you’re wearing your highest pair of heels), lower your butt as far as you can, and raise your free arm above your ear. Press your knees back for 30 seconds, firing from your inner thighs while engaging your seat.