Photo of woman doing side-lateral raise for balance

Try the side-lateral raise with a dumbbell:

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight equally distributed on both legs. Hold a lightweight (2 to 3 pounds) dumbbell in your right hand and raise your arm perpendicular to the floor (A). Lift your right leg off the floor and bend it back at the knee (B).
  • Hold the position as long as you can maintain good form, up to 30 seconds.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. As your balance improves, increase the number of repetitions.
  • For added challenge, balance while standing on a pillow or other unstable surface.