We
all know that professional dancers go through rigid and intense
rehearsals to make their bodies long, lean and toned. But you don’t
have to be a prima ballerina to get bods like the pros– you don’t even
need dance shoes! Get inspired by these ballet moves during your next
workout.
Calf Raises
Calf raises are fab because you can literally
do them anywhere, even if you don’t have a barre. Stand with one foot
facing forward and the other pointed out, then lift up onto your toes,
and go back down. It’s a simple enough exercise to repeat frequently, so
do yours in the morning while you brush your teeth or wait for the bus,
or as a post-cardio stretch to tighten up your muscles. The more you
do, the stronger your calves will get.
Pliés
These are like the ballerina version of squats.
Stand up straight (as with all ballet exercises, posture is super
important, so always make sure your spine is straight and your shoulders
are pulled back!) with your feet together. With your feet still
touching at the heels, make turn out your feet as far apart as possible
(but making sure you can still stand comfortably). Then, raise your arms
to your bellybutton height and create a circle, with your fingers
almost touching. In ballet, this is called first position. Bend your
knees in the same direction as your toes, starting gradually at first,
but bending deeper as you go on. The more you practice these
thigh-strengthening exercises, the farther you will be able to bend
down.
Leg Pulses
Besides toned bodies, another thing all
ballerinas have is balance. But since most of us don’t have a barre
available, you can use a sturdy chair for this exercise. Hold onto the
chair, and slowly raise one leg off of the ground, pointing the toe, and
keeping your other foot flat. Gently pulse your raised leg up and down,
using your leg and abdominal muscles to lift your leg. To make it more
intense, do calf raises with the leg that is on the ground while you
pulse the other. Make sure you’re not putting your weight on the chair,
though, so you can get the full effect!
BY RACHEL NUGENT ON 10/21/2011 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN health, fitness