You may have heard already heard about Ballet Fitness and how it’s taking the health and fitness world by storm with it’s ultimate combination of tried and tested ballet moves and dynamic fitness techniques. This artistic workout is not only fun to do but is extremely effective in creating a strong, lean, supple, dancer-like physique. But did you know about all the other physical, mental, emotional and practical benefits that come with doing this dancer body workout?
What are the benefits of Ballet Fitness?
The physical benefits of ballet fitness classes are abundant because ballet fitness workouts are a fusion of authentic ballet and fitness techniques. This means you get the best of two worlds. When put together with conditioning work, as well as exercises to develop balance, increase flexibility and improve coordination, ballet fitness followers achieve better muscle strength, a stronger core and that recognisable ballerina posture. You’ll see and feel the benefits in a short space of time too. But there’s more to ballet fitness than the way you’ll look. The internal, emotional, mental and practical benefits are plentiful too.
Read on to discover the surprising benefits you never knew you ballet fitness gives you:
Benefits for your body
- Better cardiovascular health and increased stamina from frequently changing positions with the arms and legs
- Sculpted quads, hamstrings and glutes from working like a dancer (expect to practice plié, tendu, glissé, fondu exercises to build heat and strength in the body as the workout progresses).
- Low impact sequences allow for happier muscles and less stressed joints, keeping your body safe and pain at bay
- Greater refinement, strength and poise in the upper body due to the frequent practicing of port de bras (movement of the arms in a balletic way)
- Supple, sleek muscles that allow you to improve flexibility and increase the body’s range of motion.
Benefits for your mind
Dance is known to help with cognitive health and well-being and ballet fitness is no exception. During a single ballet fitness class, you will practice exercises to improve balance, co-ordination, rhythm, memory and balance.
- As you repeat the balletic positions and exercises on both sides, you are required to remember different patterns and sequences for your body while challenging your brain. This also creates muscle symmetry in the legs, arms and core
- Fancy learning another language? Ballet terms are in French – did you notice? So you’ll pick up some extra vocabulary for your next holiday while challenging your memory!
- Exercise is a top contender for boosting your brain power and none more so than ballet fitness. Ballet fitness helps you get those feel-good endorphins pumping which in turn reduce stress, lessen feelings of anxiety and depression and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- An authentic ballet fitness method is artistic so classes should be practiced to music. Moving to a beat stimulates a rhythmic response which in turn uses the parts of the brain that deal with memory, organisation and co-ordination.
Emotional benefits
Think back to the things you loved doing as a child. This Ballet is often one of those things people recall fondly but that get left behind as we grow up.
- Ballet fitness classes stimulate positive emotions through past recollections or even missed opportunities. Ballet fitness gives us the chance to relive and love the feeling of dancing or finally take it up and experience those positive feelings in adulthood.
- Even when practiced online, ballet fitness is very social. The online ballet fitness community is growing and spans the globe. You can expect to connect with ballet barre fitness lovers who regularly chat with each other and share ballet moves, tips and techniques.
Benefits as we age
As we age, our bodies gradually become less supple. Joints are less mobile and muscle mass decreases. Ballet Fitness is a safe, well-devised exercise option for all ages including the over 50s. It can help prevent both physical and mental decline. Expect to experience these benefits with a regular ballet fitness regime:
- Improved memory,
- Strengthened bone density
- Better sleep quality
- Lower blood pressure
- improved endurance, flexibility and muscle mass
- Easing of common physical complaints such as lower back pain, muscle tension and joint stifness
Getting started with Ballet Fitness
Anyone can join a ballet fitness class, no matter what age, gender or level of experience you are. One leading online company, Sleek Ballet Fitness, recommends starting with a beginners program to help you feel familiar with the ballet terms, ballet positions and ballet moves that are used throughout the class. Sleek Ballet Fitness founders and professional ballet dancers, Flik Swan and Victoria Marr, suggest everyone who tries ballet fitness starts with a guided Starter program ranging from 14-28 days devised by authentic, trusted ballet fitness experts.
Another benefit? You don’t require much space and only need minimal equipment too. “Online ballet fitness is a great at home workout because not only is it safe, fun and effective but you really don’t need much to get started” says Sleek founder Flik Swan. “Have a yoga mat and chair handy (to use as a ballet barre) and something comfortable to move in and you’re ready to get started with ballet fitness. No one regrets a ballet fitness workout! At Sleek, everyone feels stronger, more supple and energised even after their first class.”
Whatever your level of experience, there’s no doubt that you’ll feel the tremendous range of benefits that ballet fitness has to give you so why not give it a try!
