Use the skater squat to kick your cardio activity up a notch. It's a challenging, intense and fun way to vary your workout and help you avoid boredom.

1 Stand upright with your feet together, arms straight out to the sides. With your right leg, take a wide step to the right. Bend your right knee as your cross your left foot behind you. Squat down on your right leg, keeping your body weight over your right heel. Lean forward slightly, swinging your left arm in front of your hips and your right hand behind you for balance. Immediately come out of the squat and step out to the left with your left leg.

2 Repeat the same movement to the left, crossing your right leg behind you. Always remember to keep your body weight over your front leg's heel to protect your knees during the downward phase of the squat. Repeat alternating sides as many times as you can for 20 to 30 seconds.

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.