Well known as the creators of the Sleek Technique method and establishing it as the first online dance fitness business in the UK, Victoria and Flik have a wealth of expertise in the health and fitness industry. Seamlessly blending the benefits of ballet with mainstream fitness they help women across the globe achieve their fitness goals.
With its rapidly growing popularity, Ballet Fitness is leaping into the health and fitness world with it's steely combination of tried and tested ballet moves and dynamic fitness techniques. This artistic workout is not only enjoyable to do but is extremely effective in creating a strong, supple, dancer-like physique with lean muscle and great posture. But did you know about all the other physical, mental, emotional and practical benefits that come with doing this dancer body workout?
What are the benefits of ballet fitness?
The physical benefits of ballet fitness classes are vast because ballet fitness workouts are designed with a combination of authentic ballet and fitness techniques that promote physical and mental resilience, longevity, cardiovascular health and all while helping you stay injury free.. All this means that you receive a wide spectrum of benefits and results. With this combination of conditioning work, as well as exercises to develop balance, increase flexibility and improve coordination, ballet fitness followers improve their muscle strength and develop a stronger core, as well as earning that signature posture that dancers have so effortlessly. You'll see and feel the benefits in a short space of time too. But there's more to ballet fitness than the way you'll look. How you feel internally will change too, as the emotional and mental benefits of this method are in abundance.
Read on to learn more about the incredible benefits ballet fitness gives you:
Benefits for your body
Better cardiovascular health and increased stamina from changing positions with the arms and legs frequently and at varying speeds and rhythms
Defined quads, hamstrings and glutes from working out in the way a dancer trains (expect to practice plié, tendu, glissé, fondu exercises, during and after the warm up, to create heat and strength in the body as the workout progresses).
Low impact sequences allow for healthier, happier, flexible muscles and less stressed joints, keeping your body safe, lowering injury risk and reducing the presence of common aches and pains
Greater refinement, strength and poise in the upper body due to the frequent practicing of port de bras (movement of the arms in a balletic way)
Sculpted, supple muscles that allow you to improve flexibility and increase the body's range of motion
Benefits for your mind
There are many scientific studies that show that dance helps with cognitive health, function and well-being and ballet fitness is no exception. Throughout each ballet fitness class, you will practice exercises to improve balance, co-ordination, rhythm, memory and balance.
As you repeat the balletic positions and exercises on both sides, you are required to remember different patterns and sequences for your body while challenging your brain. This also creates muscle symmetry in the legs, arms and core
Do you speak more than one language? You can learn with ballet fitness as the names of the exercises are are in French. While you don't have to learn them to improve your physical fitness, you'll most likely pick up some extra vocabulary without trying and challenge your memory at the same time.
You will already know that exercise is a top contender for boosting your brain power and none more so than ballet fitness. Ballet fitness helps you get those feel-good endorphins pumping which in turn reduce stress, lessen feelings of anxiety and depression and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
An authentic ballet fitness method is artistic so classes should be practiced to music. This rhythm is key to boosting and maintaining brain function. Moving to a beat stimulates a rhythmic response which stimulates the parts of the brain that deal with memory, organisation and co-ordination.
Emotional benefits
Think back to the things you loved doing as a child. Ballet is often one of those things people recall fondly but that get left behind as we grow up.
Ballet fitness classes stimulate positive emotions through past recollections or even missed opportunities. Ballet fitness gives us the chance to relive and love the feeling of dancing or finally take it up and experience those positive feelings in adulthood.
Even when practiced online, ballet fitness is very social. The online ballet fitness community is growing and spans the globe. You can expect to connect with ballet barre fitness lovers who regularly chat with each other and share ballet moves, tips and techniques.
Benefits as we age
As we age, our bodies gradually become less supple. Joints are less mobile and muscle mass decreases. Ballet Fitness is a safe, well-devised exercise option for all ages including the over 50s. It can help prevent both physical and mental decline. Expect to experience these benefits with a regular ballet fitness regime:
Improved memory,
Strengthened bone density
Better sleep quality
Lower blood pressure
improved endurance, flexibility and muscle mass
Easing of common physical complaints such as lower back pain, muscle tension and joint stifness
Getting started with ballet fitness
Anyone can join a ballet fitness class, no matter what age, gender or level of experience you are. At Sleek Technique Ballet Fitness, we recommend starting with a beginners program to help you feel familiar with the ballet terms, ballet positions and ballet moves that are used throughout the class. Sleek Ballet Fitness founders and professional ballet dancers, Flik Swan and Victoria Marr, suggest everyone who tries ballet fitness starts with a guided Starter program ranging from 14-28 days devised by authentic, trusted ballet fitness experts.
Another benefit? You don't require much space and only need minimal equipment too. "Online ballet fitness is a great at home workout because not only is it safe, fun and effective but you really don't need much to get started" says Sleek founder Flik Swan. "Have a yoga mat and chair handy (to use as a ballet barre) and something comfortable to move in and you're ready to get started with ballet fitness. No one regrets a ballet fitness workout! At Sleek, everyone feels stronger, more supple and energised even after their first class."
Whatever your level of experience, there's no doubt that you'll feel the tremendous range of benefits that ballet fitness has to give you so why not give it a try at sleek ballet fitness.
Victoria Marr and Flik Swan, Choreographer, Director, Entrepreneur
After 20 years at the top of the professional dance world, Victoria and Flik brought their combined expertise in dance and fitness together and pioneered the first online dance fitness business in the UK. Laying the groundwork for many others to follow, they continue to bring creative, effective fitness to women everywhere regardless of location.
