Develop more strength and flexibility and a better sense of balance with this simple move. It releases tension and tightness in the hips and will evenly strengthen the ligaments on both sides of the knee.

1 Begin on your hands and knees. Bring your left foot between your hands, lining up your fingertips with your left heel. Find your balance on your right toes and slowly straighten your right knee. Exhaling, lower your hips while keeping your right knee straight and your right heel pressed back. Gaze forward and raise your chest off your left thigh. Pause for three breaths.

2 To further challenge your balance, slowly bring your hands to rest on your left thigh. Keep your hips and shoulders facing forward. For added stability, focus on pressing firmly down on the big toe of your back leg as well as the inner heel of the front leg. Hold for three breaths, lower your hands and repeat with your right leg forward.

This article originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times in the "Good Form" feature of the Health Section. "Good Form" is updated with a new Karen Voight article each Monday.