I asked a Pilates instructor which five lower-body moves she would teach a beginner—here’s what she suggests and how to progress them

A woman on her hands and knees extends her left leg behind her. She is on an exercise mat with light weights and an open laptop to her side. .

Traditional strength training is great for keeping your legs strong as you age. But practicing Pilates alongside this will help maintain your mobility and stability.

“Pilates is a highly effective method for developing lower-body strength, as it focuses on controlled movements, resistance and proper muscle engagement,” says Nicolle Lopez-Lamberty, a Pilates instructor and the founder of NuPilates.