Out of control is more like it. It's not until we catch a glimpse of ourselves in a three-way mirror that we realize what we've been neglecting. Maybe that's why most of us could use a bit of shaping and firming in back. Here are three easy, effective moves to get you started:

1. Standing Ball Curl (works the glutes, hamstrings and calves)

Tuck a small medicine ball behind your right knee, raising your right foot behind you and squeezing to hold the ball in place. (If you don't have a medicine ball, use any ball you can comfortably squeeze-even a softball will do.)

Now, stand up straight, balancing yourself on your left foot with your right knee pointing toward the floor. (If you have a hard time steadying yourself, feel free to hold on to a sturdy chair for support.) Begin the exercise by slowly curling your bent leg behind you. Bring it back only as far as you can without arching your back.

Hold this position for 2 seconds; then slowly lower your bent leg so that your knee is once again pointing toward the floor. Perform 8 to 12 repetitions; then place the ball behind the left knee and repeat the drill.

2. Isolated Leg Kickback (works the glutes and hamstrings)

Stand up straight, holding one end of a weighted bar in your right hand, allowing the other end to rest on the floor. Balancing on your right leg, keep your left leg straight (without locking the knee) and slowly raise it 8 to 12 inches behind you, keeping your foot flexed.

Next, place the bottom end of the weighted bar behind you and rest it across your left ankle while still holding the other end in your right hand. (This adds the extra resistance you'll need to really target your glutes.) Keeping your left leg straight, slowly raise it 4 to 8 inches behind you; then lower. Perform 8 to 12 reps; then switch legs and repeat the drill.

3. Squat Leg Lift (works the inner and outer thighs, glutes, hips and quadriceps)

This exercise is not only a great overall finishing move but it also serves as a terrific segue for working the thighs afterward.

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding one end of a weighted bar in front of you with both hands and allowing the other end to rest on the floor. (The bar will help you stay balanced during this exercise.) Squat down until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. (Don't lower yourself any farther even if you can; this will only hurt your knees.)

As you straighten your knees to return to starting position, rise up onto the toes of your right foot as you extend your left leg out to the side as far as is comfortable. Perform 8 to 12 reps; then repeat the drill with your right leg.

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