Ballet Fit, mix of dance and fitness

Practicing physical exercise has never been so easy and fun, since there are more and more alternatives to choose from without falling into classic aerobics or lifting a single weight, and that adapt to the abilities and tastes of people of all ages, including musicals, such as pound fitness , fitflamc , or aquafitness . Now a new activity to get in shape is taking center stage, it is Ballet Fit . Do you want to know more about this rising trend in fitness rooms and among numerous celebrities? Keep reading and learn the keys to enjoying it.

What is Ballet Fit?

Ballet Fit is a training method that combines the best of classical dance with  aerobic exercise , including  yoga  and  Pilates postures  in its choreography. It is inspired by Ballet Beautiful and Ballet Fitness, originating from the United States and Brazil, respectively, and consists of using the basis of ballet to do exercises that help improve the body and mind. The first was created by Mary Helen Bowers and was used, for example, in the recording of the film Black Swan , starring Natalie Portman. The second, invented by Brazilian Betina Dantas, seeks to mentally disconnect and burn calories , defining muscles.

“In the same Ballet Fit class, pieces by Mozart or Bach alternate with songs by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, making the sessions as relaxing as they are dynamic”

The union of both was forged by the dancer Gloria Morales , who has currently published the book ‘Ballet Fit: the method that will change your body’ to spread all the benefits of this type of physical exercise. To give us an idea, “in the same Ballet Fit class, pieces by Mozart or Bach alternate with songs by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, making the sessions as relaxing as they are dynamic,” explains Gloria.

Ballet Fit classes last 50 minutes , which makes them perfect to be included in gym class schedules . During this time, coordination, strength, toning, balance, elasticity and flexibility are worked on, as well as cardiovascular exercises.

Physical and psychological benefits of Ballet Fit

From a physical point of view, it can be said that Ballet Fit helps lengthen and tone muscles, among other advantages. Gloria Morales explains to us some of the benefits that are obtained by practicing this fun activity:

• Muscle improvement : in this type of exercises the internal muscles are activated just as dancers do. “The body becomes more harmonious and elegant because we effectively lengthen the muscles and grow with each exercise.”
• Posture correction : helps to correct and be aware of our body posture . This reduces back pain , especially in the lumbar and cervical areas.
• Flexibility and elasticity : Ballet Fit exercises work a lot on this aspect, so they are perfect to complement other more rigid sports such as running , CrossFit or weight training.
• Strength : This allows you to have stronger arms and legs, as well as a consistent abdominal and lumbar center.
• Strengthened core: in Ballet Fit the abdominal area, key to the core, the so-called ‘body girdle’ is worked intensely.
• Greater balance: many of the exercises in this type of activity are done on tiptoe and with support on only one leg, and this sharpens our senses to maintain a stabilized posture.
• More cardiovascular and lung capacity: this is achieved thanks to the cardio part of this activity, training resistance and burning fat.