Trading in running for ballet.....

lacypope

I love to run. You would think that would be a good thing with regard to weight loss, right? For me, not so much. Running builds my quads rapidly and makes me gain weight. I have done a lot of research on the subject and unfortunately it's just one of those side effects for some people. I understand all the science of "why" it happens. So when I run it's for the endorphin effect and nothing else. My body has become very effecient when it comes to running, so much so that I don't need to run regularly to keep my ability. I can go for months without running only to step outside and come back two hours and 12 miles later. I'm certain this ability has had a great effect on my heart over the years however, it has not helped my body become stronger, nor has it helped me lose weight (even when I do it every day).

Cosidering the above, I decided to find something else to help me accomplish my goals of gaining a longer, leaner and lighter frame. That led me to reconsider an old passion, ballet. I used to dance when I was growing up and I loved every second of the hard work it required. Like running, it didn't feel like work to me. I actually think dance is why I began to run in the first place. When I put on my music and take off down the street, it's as if I'm involved in an hour long performance. In searching for a ballet inspired dance program, I discovered Mary Hellen Bowers, Ballet Beautiful. When I first stumbled upon her online program I was excited to get started in another activity I thought I'd slide into with ease. Boy was I WRONG! Hers is the most difficult exercise program I have ever tried in my adult life. It's so hard that most days I think I should probably find something else. Laboring through her daily routines only confirms my current lack of physical strength. So, I have made up my mind to stick with it.

With all that being said, I would like to add additional cardio activities to my weekly exercise program (BB does not provide sustained period of cardio..it's more like intervals of cardio/strength training...kind of like an elegant form of the Jillian Michaels method...LOL). While I know this type of exercise is good for weight loss, I also need sustained daily cardio for my mind. I need the time to mediate and center myself with endorphins. Does anyone have any suggestions? Today I tried dance/ skipping on the treadmill (I saw Tracy Anderson do this on YouTube) and I liked it. However, I question if it is too much like running. Walking rapidly is okay, but truthfully it does not provide the rush that running gives me. However, if it will get me the results I want, I'm willing to do it. Basically, I'm looking for alternatives to add to my BB routine. Also, does anyone find they can run once or twice a week (for an hour or more) without gaining weight or leg mass?

FitMomOK

I have no idea on your questions, I just wanted to say I bet you would love ice skating as well. seriously hard work-out, core, legs, arms. It's like a combination of dancing, running and flying. It's so hard that after 2 hours of skating I feel like I ran 10 miles. I have seen a difference in my thighs because with running a lot I tone the same muscles, but with ice-skating it really works the glutes and backs of legs and I have seen my legs slim down in a way they never did with running. Just another idea to throw in there! Have fun with ballet though!

mizztanjo

Hey there

I think Ballet is amazing...honestly. I have never tried it but I know it's a VERY good workout in which you need sharp mental focus and great stability. So kudo's to you for that!
As far as Cardio....check out my site...there's lots of different programs that offer fantastic cardio regimes without weights involved. Insanity is one of the better ones but it requires a lot of plyo work (uses the legs a lot) so it might not suit your needs. TurboFire is a great Cardio workout as are a few of the others. Check it out and lemme know if its of interest to ya. I've been doing them now for over a year and have nothing bad to say.

Tanya - www.TanJory.com

lacypope

Great idea, I have never considered ice skating before. I will now.

GiddyupTim

My sister was a ballet dancer and she always insisted that dancers had to be as strong and agile as any athlete -- maybe more so.
Anyway, how about yoga?
I would suggest weight lifting but it has a tendency to make your muscles sore the day after, which makes it hard to do things requiring flexibility.

cardbucfan

I don't know if you belong to a gym but I LOVE spinning and get that cardio endorphin rush with it. For me it's all about the music so I can do my own class with my iPod.

smand2000

Second yoga (some teachers give more of a cardio workout than others - find one that really gets your heart pumping), and swimming. Find yourself a lap pool and go to town. I have yet to find a more enjoyable cardio workout that provides the same kind of peaceful high than a long swim.

Best wishes for a wonderful new year!

meshashesha2012

good luck but just realize that you cant outdance genetics. this lady right here is a ballerina yet doesn't exactly have the typical ballerina's "light and lean" body.

geebusuk

The problem is that most 'cardio' stuff will involve significant use of your legs - as they're the biggest muscles in the body moving the biggest weight they're also going to flow the most blood, etc.
Only things that don't really would be stuff designed for wheelchair users, etc, I'd have thought.

Rock climbing uses the arms a lot more than legs; however if you're doing it at the point that it's cardio, you'll get tired VERY quickly (I'm thinking speed climbing), thanks to the arms of course not being designed to take that sort of strain.

In a gym you may find 'hand cycles'. I also wonder about using a cross trainer but focusing on using your arms, or similar with a 'mountain climber'. I wonder, however, if lots of arm work will pop out your arm muscles and if that too will be undesirable for you.

I know lots of people male and female that would LOVE to have your genetics!
Running doesn't particularly add muscle for me and I don't get 'endorphins' either - would be very good if I had both traits!