Try This: Curtsy side lift, then take a bow

This move, with the genteel name of the curtsy side lift, is no lightweight. It works the major muscle groups of the lower body with a blend of dance and fitness. It comes from Pasadena-based Tracey Mallett, the founder of Booty Barre, a technique that combines elements of dance, yoga and Pilates to strengthen and stretch the body. Ballet-inspired barre workouts became popular because the exercises increase flexibility and tone the muscles without adding bulk.

By Jeannine Stein

September 8, 2012