Workout, August 1, 2012: Ballet

Workout: a variety of ballet and barre-fusion-esque moves

During our busy lives, we often cannot find time to workout.  Last night was such a night, but I managed to work in a workout... while on hold to various box offices buying tickets for performances for an upcoming family vacation!

I cobbled this routine together haphazardly, while my husband was either on the computer looking at seating charts for theaters or while we were on hold or talking to a representative on speakerphone.  I have a significant amount of ballet training in my background, so it only occurs to me now that I should take some photos to actually illustrate the moves for my readers.  Hindsight, you know how it goes.

Parts of this workout are also more barre-fusion style, like one might find at a studio like Pilates on Fifth or Physique 57.  I got creative as I went along!

You will need a sturdy chair with a back that somewhat resembles (loosely) a ballet barre and an exercise ball (or something else to clutch).

1) Facing and holding the chair back loosely just for balance, do 10 back kicks with each leg.  These are not giant swinging kicks, but rather slow and controlled kicks.  The goal is to control the movement both up and down without worrying about how high you can kick or how fast you can go.

2) Do a back kick with your left leg while holding the chair back loosely for balance, and pulse your leg while at the top of your kick.  Pulse 10 times.  Repeat with the right leg.

3) Do a back kick with your left leg while holding the chair back loosely for balance, and at the top of the kick bend your knee, keeping everything parallel to the ground.  Pulse 10 times.  Repeat with the right leg.

4) Standing away from the chair, position your legs in first position (see photo below).  Hold the exercise ball in front of you, and squeeze as you pulse up and down 10 times with your legs in first position.

(photo credit)

4) Standing away from the chair, position your legs in second position (see photo above).  Hold the exercise ball in front of you, and squeeze as you pulse up and down 10 times with your legs in second position.  Also try squeezing the ball and lifting it up over your head as you pulse up and down.

5) Standing away from the chair, position your legs shoulder-width apart, ready for a squat.  Hold the exercise ball over your head and squeeze, and as you squat dip the ball behind your head in order to work your triceps.  Repeat 10 times.

Repeat the above three times, or more if you prefer.

Lastly,  make sure you do some leg stretches, as you will have worked your legs on every single move.