Tackle common trouble spots in five easy moves.

By Allison Winn Scotch for Prevention Magazine

With this 5-move circuit, you’ll tone, firm and smooth your legs while also wiping out dreaded cellulite. In just a few weeks, you’ll see results in the most common trouble areas - - hips, butt and thighs - - while also increasing your flexibility and balance.

For each move we offer an easier option, in case the main move is too difficult. If it’s too easy, increase the intensity of the standing exercises by holding dumbbells.

Do the circuit 3 days a week. For the first two weeks, do 1 set of 12 repetitions for each exercise. For the next two weeks, repeat the circuit twice so you’re doing 2 sets of each exercise. After four weeks, repeat the circuit 3 times so you’re doing 3 sets of each exercise. On the third set, instead of holding each move, pulse for 3 counts by lifting and lowering a few inches before returning to the start position.

To avoid injury, warm up with 5 minutes of marching in place, or do these moves directly after a cardio workout when muscles are already warmed.

Squat Kickback
Stand with feet together, toes pointing forward, and arms bent at sides. Bend knees and hips into a squat, as if you were sitting in a chair and hold for 3 counts. As you rise, press right leg back and squeeze glutes. Hold for 1 count, then lower. Switch legs after each set.

Make It Easier:
Don't squat as deeply, and keep toes on floor when pressing back.

Curtsy and Kick
Stand with feet together, hands on hips. Step right foot behind left leg and bend knees until left thigh is almost parallel to floor. Keep left knee over ankle. Hold for 3 counts. As you stand back up, kick right leg out to side before doing another curtsy. Switch legs after each set.

Make It Easier:
Skip the kick and bring feet together between each curtsy.

Plié Sweep
Stand with feet wide apart, toes pointing out, and hands on hips. Keeping back straight and abs tight, tuck tailbone and bend knees, lowering until thighs are almost parallel to floor. Hold for 3 counts. As you stand up, sweep left leg across body, as if you're kicking a soccer ball. Switch legs after each set.

Make It Easier:
Eliminate the leg sweep.

Bun Burner
Get on all fours, with hands beneath shoulders, knees beneath hips, and abs tight. Extend right leg behind you so it's in line with back, toes pointed and hips square to floor. Pull knee into chest (A), contracting abs, and extend leg back out 12 times. Next, extend right leg (B) and pulse, lifting and lowering a few inches, 12 times. Then bend right leg so sole of foot faces ceiling (C) and pulse 12 times. That's 1 set. Repeat with left leg. (No need to add additional pulses when you progress to 3 sets.)

Make It Easier:
Place forearms on floor.

Pass Through Lunges
Stand with feet together, hands on hips. Step right foot forward 2 to 3 feet and bend knees, lowering until right thigh is parallel to floor. Keep right knee over ankle. Hold for 1 count. In one swift movement, press off right foot and bring it behind you. (Left foot doesn't move.) Lower into another lunge so left thigh is parallel to floor, holding for 1 count. Continue passing right foot through into a front then a back lunge without bringing feet together. Switch legs after each set.

Make It Easier:
Rather than pushing through from front to back in one swift movement, bring feet together before going into back lunge.