Ballet style workout

Ballet style workout

When I was a little girl, I had my heart set on becoming a professional ballerina. I worked extremely hard on my goal, spending seven days a week and endless hours at the studio. I took all sorts of classes, followed a strict diet and drove all over the place to work with different instructors. For several years, I was part of a company that travelled throughout North America and Europe. Eventually, I had to face up to the fact that life as a ballerina is extremely difficult and doesn’t pay the bills. I continued to dance throughout college, but my priority turned to finding a more practical career. Once I entered the workforce, I no longer had the time or opportunity to spend time at the studio. My new lifestyle was much more sedentary and I started to gain some weight. I didn’t like how I looked or felt. I missed my dance regiment. I have now adapted a daily workout that incorporates my ballet training. I get up early so that I have an extra hour before heading to work. I take this time to go through my various skills, stretches and drills to maintain strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. While ballet movements appear graceful and effortless, they actually require a great deal of concentration, muscle control and range of motion. The leaps, arabesques, plies and pirouettes work all different muscles, get my heart rate up and leave me sweaty and breathless. Although I’m no longer training to put on a performance, I’m working on my health and wellness.

 

Personal Training