Four Great Ballet Moves for a Great Physique

Whether you're looking to achieve a tighter tummy, leaner arms, a highly toned butt or a nicer set of legs, these four easy ballet moves will help you to achieve the look you are seeking. Ballet is a great type of exercise to build lean and attractive muscle. For more information I suggest you search YouTube for proper technique, however, this is a good foundation. Also, please read through the entire instructions before attempting any of these low impact moves to avoid potential injury.

1. Plie (plee-AY)

A plie is the most basic ballet move. This simple move is capable of strengthening the entire thigh, hip, and bum. With proper arm positioning it can also help tighten up those floppy triceps.

The idea here is to place your heels together, and turn out your toes slightly so they form an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Now, holding on to a chair or table with one hand and holding your other arm up at shoulder height palms front, bend your knees as far as you can without lifting your heels. Do this several times switching sides to improve your arm strength in both arms. Now spread your legs apart about a foot with the same foot and arm position. Try a plie in this position.

TIPS: Keep knees over toes in the bend to avoid injury and improve strength. Never allow your hips to dip below your knees. Keep your butt tucked under and stand up straight. Avoid rolling ankles forward.

2. Eleve (el-leh-VAY)

For stronger knees and calves the eleve is for you. As always in ballet, keep your bum tucked under and body up straight with tummy sucked in loosely.

To do an eleve you simply hold a chair with one hand and extend your other arm out at shoulder height with your palm facing forward, loose elbows. With heels together and toes turned out you simply rise to the balls of your feet. Do this several times and you will feel the burn! Turn your feet parallel to strengthen the front of your lower leg and add a plie in between to strengthen your entire leg. If you would like to work on improving your grace and balance try doing this exercise without a support.

3. Arabesque (aa-rah-besk)

An arabesque is one of the best moves to strengthen the lower back. With so many people suffering from lower back pains it is a smart muscle to strengthen. This movement also strengthens the buttocks, a crucial muscle for overall balance.

To do an arabesque for lower back and buttocks strength you should start with heels together and only very slightly turned out feet. Keep arms in any position you feel comfortable, however, the higher the arms the better the workout. Raise one leg behind you to any height you feel comfortable. Keep the raised leg in line with your hip; do not bring the leg to the side. Now, try to keep the supporting leg loose but not bent and the raised leg as straight as possible. Straighten the knee and point the toe. Hold this as long as you can bear and switch sides.

4. Sautee (soh TAY)

A sautee is simply a jump. Jumps and allegro work are some of the best ways to lose a little weight through cardio vascular. This move will help strengthen the knees which is another problem area on many people.

To do a proper ballet sautee you should start with heels together and toes turned out. Bring both arms up to shoulder height, palms front, elbows soft. You will start with a plie (butt tucked under, tummy sucked in, head up, heels down). Now spring into the air, toes pointed and land back in a plie. Do several of these until you are breathing hard.

TIPS: Place heels on the ground between each jump to avoid injury to your achilles. Only perform this move if your knees are strong enough to handle the stress.

These four simple ballet moves can improve the strength in nearly every muscle in your body if you do them correctly. Once again, if you are interested in seeing any of these movements I suggest you look for videos or photos online.

If you find these basic moves enjoyable I suggest you check out a dance school in your local area. Many ballet and dance schools now offer adult classes for people of all ages to learn beginning and intermediate ballet technique.