Tired of the gym? Bored of your cardio workout? Have you ever considered taking up ballet for fitness reasons? It’s no secret that ballet dancers are super fit and agile, with physiques most of us would do anything for. Be in no doubt, ballet is a lot of hard work, but the health and fitness benefits are tremendous.
1. Ballet provides a workout for the whole body
Seldom will you hear the phrase ‘leg day’ in a ballet class. That’s because ballet, unlike other exercise regimes, works the whole body all at once. It doesn’t take long to really see the difference that ballet can make from a fitness point of view. Ballet’s intensity can be great if you’re trying to lose weight or tone up.
2. Ballet is great for discipline and your mental well-being
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Ballet can really improve your mental attitude and wellbeing. Like a lot of dance styles, ballet requires plenty of concentration and discipline – how else would anyone be able to dance and move en pointe (on your toes)?
3. A number of sports stars use ballet as a means of training
In America, it’s not uncommon for NFL players to use ballet as a form of training – dispelling any rumours that it’s just for girls. It’s not just the US’s sports personalities who practice ballet though, a lot of well-known UK athletes have also dabbled in ballet, including Manchester United legend
Ryan Giggs.
Did you know Rio Ferdinand even attended the
Central School of Ballet as a child?
4. Ballet equipment is fairly inexpensive
Unlike other sports or fitness classes, you won’t have to invest in expensive or specialised equipment. A leotard, a pair of tights or a unitard is all you really need.
We stock a whole range of dancewear for both
men and
women, as well of a selection of ballet and pointe shoes,
which can be found here.
5. There are a number of ballet classes tailor-made for fitness
Barre workouts have become immensely popular over the last few years with many people seeking an alternative to their usual workout regime. Much like Zumba, barre workouts combine elements of both dance and exercise techniques, with a particular focus on ballet. There are plenty of barre gyms and training centres offering memberships and advice, including
Barrecore, a London-based gym that also offers online classes so you can get fit and exercise in the comfort of your own home.
6. Ballet can improve your posture
We could all do with working on our posture from time to time. People who work in an office often complain of poor posture or a bad back, as a result of hunching over a keyboard or sitting down for too long. Ballet can really improve your posture and balance. Regular lessons and practice can prevent back problems in later life, by teaching you to stand and sit straighter.
For more great posts and further information about ballet, visit our blog homepage.
