Open and Close

by Sherry Clary
(Boiling Springs, SC USA)

This works the thighs, abdomen, stomach, and upper back.

This is one of my favorite exercises. It requires no equipment and it is so simple a child can do it. It is a deceptive exercise.

The first time I used this exercise, I got up and my legs felt like rubber. I thought I was going to fall and I was surprised my legs were so affected by this simple and easy exercise.

You will feel this in your thighs but it does work on the other areas listed above.


1. Sit against a counter or chair and reach over your head so you can place your hands on the top of the counter or chair.

Holding your legs together, bend your knees and bring them to your chest. Keep your toes pointed and on the floor.

2. Clasping firmly with both hands, lift your legs out straight in front of you and hold them as far off the floor as you are able to.

Keep your toes pointed. The higher you hold your legs off the floor, the quicker you will see results.

3. Open and close your legs in a scissor-like fashion. You may bend your knees if that is the only way you can do the exercise. As you become stronger, you will be able to lift your legs without bending your knees.

4. Do 4 sets of 5 (20 repetitions). Increase repetitions as your legs become stronger.