Ballet Inspired Workout for Winter

A lot of people think that working out means pumping iron and jogging every day. The truth is that all activities that make you use your muscles help you build muscle tone. In case you are looking for a fun workout routine, consider ballet movements which will help you burn calories and improve your balance and posture.

Extended Leg Beats

Extended leg beats

Lie on the floor with the legs extended and the arms by your sides. Lift the legs to 45 degrees and point the toes. Lift the shoulder blades and crunch the abs. Keep the spine rounded and start crossing your ankles. Perform the exercise 10 times slowly and then 20 times faster.

Extended Leg Lifts

Extended leg lifts

Stand up straight with the heels together, toes pointing outwards. Extend the right leg in front of you as high as you can. Lift the right arms as well. You might need to hold on to a chair to ensure that you can maintain your balance. Make sure that your crunch the abs.

To the Sides

To the sidesUse the strength of your legs and your core, move the right leg to your right until it gets in line with your shoulder. Move your leg to the back and to the front. Repeat the exercise 8 times without lowering your leg to the floor. Repeat on the other side as well.

Standing Oblique Passé Lifts

Standing oblique passé lifts

Start by standing on your feet. Put your weight on your right leg and bend the left knees out to the side, while resting the toes on your right shin. Extend the arms and bend the elbows to a rounded position. Bend your torso to the left and lift the left leg as much as you can so that the knee and the elbow are almost touching. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side as well.

Side Plank Leg Lifts

Side plank leg lifts

Kneel down to the floor and while keeping the left knee on the ground, lift the other leg to the side. Keep the left hand below your shoulder and extend the other arm. Contract the abs and move the extended leg up and down about 10 times. Then extend the right leg to the front and start pumping again, up and down. Then switch sides and repeat on the other side as well.

Hip Lifts

Hip lifts

Lie on your back and extend the legs up in the air. Point the toes and draw in your abs. Lift your hips a couple of inches off the floor without straining your neck or shoulders. Lower yourself back to the floor. Perform the exercise 8 times slowly and then 16 times faster.

Leg Lifts

Leg lifts

Lie on your back and put your feet hip width apart, with the knees bent. Lift your hips off the floor as much as you can without using the muscles in your neck or shoulders. Extend the left leg as much as you can and hold the position. Roll your right foot to the ball of your foot and lower the left leg so that it will be parallel with the other leg.

photo credit: (www.womansday.com)