How to Follow a Ballet Workout Routine
The success of any exercise routine relies upon your enthusiasm for it. If dance is a passion of yours or if you have an ear for classical music, a ballet workout routine may be just the thing to help you get your daily exercise.
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Instructions
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Put Poise in Your Workout Routine
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Start your ballet workout routine by warming up. This should include time spent on the floor stretching the muscles in the legs and arms, as well as cardiovascular warmup exercises, such as walking or running in place.
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Step up to the barre and work through the positions of classical ballet. If you don't have access to a class in which an instructor can guide you through the proper foot and hand position for each, follow a DVD or book detailing the proper posture and foot position for first through fifth positions.
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Utilize ballet movements such as tendus to strengthen leg, hip and glut muscles. By focusing the movement in small forward foot motions, you can squeeze and strengthen the backs of your legs and thighs while lifting and firming your behind.
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Get your heartbeat going by practicing simple ballet jumps. From first position, spring up through your toes with your arms arched gracefully over your head. Keep your knees fluid to avoid injury as you return to the ground. Your motions should be small and focused on the muscles involved, not on jumping to great heights.
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Use the ballet barre to shape up your arms by performing elevated push-ups and pull-ups as part of your workout routine. Place your hands at shoulder width on the barre and place your legs and feet at a comfortable angle. Dip towards the barre by bending at the elbows. The pull-up can be performed by sitting under the barre with your legs outstretched and pulling your chin up towards the barre by bending at the elbows.
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Maintain your arms in second position (parallel to the floor) to work your deltoids. Raise your arms above your head into third position to increase your cardiovascular workout, since your heart will have to beat harder to pump blood above your head.
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Follow the rhythm of classical music to create graceful and fluid movements while you workout. This may also provide you with a sense of calmness and serenity as you exercise--a great way to de-stress while you get a good workout.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no substitute for the instruction of a trained professional, especially when designing a ballet workout routine. Classes can be found in most communities which specialize in ballet and ballet fusion workouts for adults of all ages.
Follow your workout routine with plenty of water to remain hydrated.
