Have you ever thought of ballet as a form of resistance training? Though this style of dance has long been admired for its grace, poise and artistry, the physical demands it requires have also made it a challenging workout routine with rising popularity.
So, could it be an effective weight loss strategy? Read as Jackson Anderson, a PT at Juniper, answers this question and does a deep dive into the benefits of adding ballet workouts into your fitness routine.
What exactly do ballet workouts entail?
At their core, ballet workouts are rooted in the principles of classical ballet training. They focus on developing strength, flexibility and balance through a combination of isometric exercises, small controlled movements and some aerobic elements.
A typical ballet-inspired fitness class might begin at the barre, with a series of pliés (bending of the knees), tendus (leg stretches), and battements (leg raises and beats). This is followed by core-strengthening exercises and stretches to improve flexibility.
The health and weight loss benefits of ballet workouts
Ballet can help you not only lose weight but tone your muscles and become the healthiest version of yourself – here’s how:
It helps burn calories
When it comes to weight loss, one of the primary factors is the balance between the calories you consume and the calories you burn.
While ballet workouts are not as intense as HIIT training or traditional cardio exercises like running or cycling, they can still contribute to a calorie deficit and weight loss, especially when combined with a balanced diet.
However, it’s important to note that the calorie burn during a ballet workout can vary significantly depending on the intensity level, your experience and the specific movements involved. More advanced classes or those incorporating larger, more dynamic movements may burn more calories than a beginner-level class focused primarily on isometric exercises.
It helps build lean muscle
One of the strengths of ballet workouts lies in their ability to tone and sculpt your muscles. The small, controlled movements target and engage muscles that are often neglected in other forms of exercise, such as the smaller stabilising muscles in the legs, core and upper body.
By building lean muscle mass, ballet workouts can help increase your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when not actively exercising. This muscle-toning effect is crucial for achieving a leaner, more sculpted appearance and can complement other forms of exercise, as well as a calorie-deficit diet, to boost your weight loss results.
It helps to improve your flexibility and posture
Ballet workouts place a strong emphasis on flexibility and good posture. Better flexibility increases the effectiveness of other workouts, while also reducing the risk of injury, allowing for safer and more efficient movement.
As for good posture, not only does it make you look more confident but it also ensures that other exercises are performed correctly and with good form, maximising their benefits.
It promotes the mind-body connection
Ballet is not just a physical exercise; it requires a strong mind-body connection, focusing on form and precision. This mindful approach to exercise can help to reduce your stress levels and make you feel better overall, which means you’re more likely to stick with your fitness routine consistently.
Consistency is a critical factor in any weight loss journey and the fact that ballet workouts can be so fun and engaging is a significant advantage for staying on track long-term.
Combining ballet with other types of exercise
While ballet workouts offer many benefits, they are most effective for weight loss when combined with other forms of exercise. Adding cardio sessions, such as running, cycling or HIIT workouts, can provide a more comprehensive fitness routine that helps you burn even more calories and boost your overall cardiovascular health.
Strength training is another important component that should be integrated into a well-rounded fitness routine. By building muscle mass through resistance exercises, you can further boost your metabolism and achieve a more toned, sculpted look, if that’s your goal.
While ballet may not burn as many calories as high-intensity workouts, its ability to build lean muscle, improve your flexibility and promote a strong mind-body connection makes it a valuable addition to any weight loss strategy. Plus, it’s something different to try and it’ll help keep workout boredom at bay. After all, establishing an enjoyable fitness routine is key to staying consistent in the long run.
