If you are like me and struggle to fit going to the gym into your already overflowing schedule, may I suggest my most favorite workout that I try to do often (but if we’re really being honest, often is very sporadic. I’m currently in an off-cycle, but I’m all inspired to get back to it. Could be something to do with the summery clothes that are beginning to make an appearance).
Before I tell you what it is, let me explain my exercise criteria:
1. It has to be doable at home. As much as I like the idea of going to a gym to work out, it just doesn’t work out (ha!).
2. Running is okay, and I do take the dog for a run maybe twice a week, but I can go for about 1.5 miles before I’m just over it. And my lungs are, too.
3. My workout goal is toning. Not necessarily building huge muscles or developing endurance or even losing weight. I just want to firm up and prefer the long, lean look of a dancer.
Which leads me to the workout I love the most:
That’s not me. I wish it were, but … no. That’s my ballet instructor, Mary Helen Bowers.
She is a former New York City Ballet dancer who has developed a beautiful, simple method for toning muscles, increasing flexibility, strengthening the center and improving posture. Yes, please to all of those. It’s called Ballet Beautiful.
Before you dismiss the workout because you’d rather not put on a leotard and stand on tippy toes, hang on. Leotards, tutus, pointe shoes and buns are not required (although they are very pretty and I secretly wish I was a real ballerina). The workouts are all done at home either from a dvd or online and all you need is just a small area, maybe a yoga mat, bare feet and regular work out clothes.
There are a few options for workouts: Ballet Beautiful Total Body Workout, Ballet Beautiful Body Blast or Ballet Beautiful Sculpt & Burn Cardio Blast. I wish I could commit to the 60 minute Total Body Workout (it’s so good!) but I don’t always have an hour to spend. So most of the time, I opt for one or two of the 15 minute Body Blast videos. I seriously feel like I can see results after just a few sessions. There are previews of the workouts on the links you can watch to get a feel for what they are like. I bought the online version, so I just log into my amazon account, press play and follow along from my ipad or computer – makes it super easy.
So if you’re looking for a way to sculpt your arms, strengthen your core and trim up your legs before we’re fully engulfed in swimsuit season, Ballet Beautiful is it.
(I sound like a sales person. I’m not. I just really like the videos. Now if I could just keep going with them …)
Images via instagram.
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