A Ballet Inspired Workout

April 18, 2016

We asked the fitness gurus in our lives to share their top workout moves to get you ready for the summer.

Professional ballerina Mary Helen Bowers is the woman behind Ballet Beautiful, the celeb-loved, ballet inspired fitness studio and online workout program. Her classes combine classical ballet with moves that work to sculpt and tone. She’s sharing four moves with us that promise to make a difference. “This workout is great to do from home because you do not need a lot of space and the only equipment you need – if you can call it that – is a mat,” she says. “You do not need a barre, a pair of point shoes, a dance studio or weights.” Now, what are you waiting for?

Ballet Twist

Targets: Abs, Obliques, Waist and Core

From a seated position on the floor, extend your legs out long. Pull your stomach towards your spine and extend your upper body behind you. Lift your arms to a ballet first position and twist your upper body to the right, scooping your lower abs in. Keep pulling your abs in as you rotate from right to left. Repeat 4 sets of 10 reps.

Arabesque Lift
with Swan Arms

Targets: Full Body, Arms, Back, Butt and Legs

Begin by standing with your right leg in front of your left. Slightly bend the right knee, keeping your knee over your toes, extending your left leg long behind you (ballet lunge). Now straighten your right knee, standing straight and lift your left leg off the floor. As you lift your leg off the floor engage your stomach and lift your arms up above your head in a V-position. Lower your left leg down to the floor and bend your right knee to return to a ballet lunge, lowering your arms down by your side at the same time. Repeat this sequence for 2 sets of 8 reps.

Classic Inner Thigh Lift

Targets: Inner Thighs and Legs

Lie on your mat on your side. Bend your left knee and place your foot either in front or behind your right leg. Your right leg should be stretching out long. Pull your stomach in to engage your center and stretch long through your right knee. Raise and lower your right leg, never fully releasing it to the mat. Complete 4 sets of 8 reps and repeat on other side.

Classic Ballet Beautiful Bridge

Targets: Hamstrings, Butt, Hips and Core

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor (or bring on to demi-pointe for a more advanced version). Press your shoulders and upper back into the floor and pull in tight through your stomach. Keep your feet together and knees closed to engage your inner thighs. Lift your hips high towards the ceiling while keeping your stomach tight to take stress out of your lower back, and engage your butt. Lower your back without letting your hips and butt touch the mat. Repeat 4 sets of 8 reps.