The best exercise is the one that you enjoy doing, mostly because you will continue to do it over time. If you can’t stand lifting weights or the treadmill then ballet dancing can be a great way for you to get, and stay in phenomenal shape.
It doesn’t matter if you have a background in dancing or if you are a beginner with no experience, anyone can start ballet dancing. Once you have given it a try, you might find that you are addicted and want to come back again and again.
What many people don’t know is that ballet dancers are incredibly strong. It takes a great deal of explosive power and skill to execute the complex array of movements in ballet. Using every muscle group in the body means that ballet is one of the best full-body workouts there is. You spend hours of ballet barre training to hone your body and mind to the best possible shape.
Here are nine of the physical and mental health benefits of ballet training:
Benefit #1: Strength training
It is a common misconception that ballet is a purely cardio exercise. Regular ballet training can produce the same results as lightweight training. The major benefit of ballet training over weight training is that you will be working out your entire body all at once. With weight training, each exercise tends to focus specifically on one muscle group. Regular ballet classes will
Benefit #2: Mental agility
Ballet moves take a great deal of focus. You can’t just zone out as you would on an elliptical or exercise bike. You need to always be present and concentrating on what you’re doing. This can take just as much practice as the physical side of ballet. The benefit of ballet training also includes it being a form of meditation.
You will find that as you are so focused on the sequence of moves you will feel a great sense of relief from day to day stresses and also enjoy the sensation of being grounded.
Benefit #3: Increased endurance
Improving endurance is the goal of most people who exercise regularly. Ballet will not only transform your body to have explosive power, you will also have much more stamina. After attending ballet classes for a few months, you may be pleasantly surprised how you can now jog up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. Your increased endurance is one of the best physical benefits of ballet training.
Benefit #4: Increased flexibility
You may have already heard of the ballet barre. In fact, there are entire fitness classes that just focus on this one aspect of ballet. This part of ballet is focused on stretching while you hold onto a wooden or metal bar with one hand. Doing this regularly can dramatically improve flexibility and muscle tone.
Benefit #5: Improved posture
There is a lot of attention in ballet class to how you stand and how you hold your head. Even just reading this section might make you aware of how you are standing and make you stand up straighter. Ballet encourages good posture at all times. Training the mind and body to hold your head up high and keep your shoulders back will become a part of how you hold yourself in and outside of the ballet studio in no time.
Benefit #6: More energy
Regular exercise gives you more energy and makes you feel much more alert from day to day. Ballet will give you more focus at work and play. The benefits of ballet training include having more energy and helping you to sleep better.
Benefit #7: Weight loss
There is always a lot of focus on losing weight when it comes to physical fitness. This is a good metric to measure some people’s success with their goals, but it shouldn’t be what everyone focuses on. Feeling good about your self is much more important than a number on a scale.
The benefits of ballet training will help to make you look and feel great if you stick with it. You may lose weight, but you will definitely start to look better and feel great!
Benefit #8: More confidence
Standing up straighter leads to better posture, this, in turn, can make you look and feel more confident. Ballet will help you to understand your body and become much more aware of how you move. You will never feel more confident as you do when you are in ballet training. You may have never thought of yourself as a dancer before, trying something new like this and doing well at it can feel very rewarding.
Benefit #9: New friends
You will be able to meet and socialize with other ballet dancers. This can be a really fun way to make new friends and expand your network. The community of ballet dancers and instructors are very welcoming and encouraging. Everyone does there best to ensure that you have a positive experience and come back to the next class ready for more.
