You’ve reached content that’s exclusive to AARP members.

To continue, you’ll need to become an AARP member. Join now, and you’ll have access to all the great content and features in Staying Sharp, plus more AARP member benefits.

Join AARP

Already a member?

Want to read more? Create a FREE account on aarp.org.

A healthy lifestyle helps protect the brain. Make brain health a habit and register on aarp.org to access Staying Sharp.

Login to Unlock Access

Not Registered?

Work Out With Denise Austin: Leg Lifts

Add to My Favorites
My Favorites page is currently unavailable.

Add to My Favorites

Added to My Favorites

Completed

leg-lifts-denise-austin

Try this today
  • Watch the video above for Denise Austin’s Leg Lifts demonstration.
  • Holding the back of a chair, lift one leg at a time as far as you can. Do 20 lifts with each leg.
  • Squeeze the buttock muscles to help you lift your leg.
  • Keep your upper body stationary with your back straight.
  • Adapt the exercise to suit your level of fitness. For example, you may not be able to lift your leg very high at first but may gain flexibility as you repeat the exercise over time. 
Why

Adding Leg Lifts to your exercise routine can help strengthen the glutes and the backs of your thighs. Strength, or resistance, training does consistently over time may improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, weight, body composition, sleep, and mood — as well as reduce the deterioration of white matter in the brain, according to a review from the American Heart Association reported in Circulation in 2023.

 

Watch the video featuring Denise Austin to learn this strength and toning exercise.

Up Next

Added to Favorites

Favorite removed

Added to Favorites

Favorite removed

Added to Favorites

Favorite removed


AARP VALUE &
MEMBER BENEFITS