Ballet fitness classes are surging in popularity thanks to ballet movies, including Academy Award-nominated films such as “Black Swan.” These fitness classes typically blend Pilates movements with basic ballet exercises. The classes usually require no previous ballet or dance training, and instructors often modify or demonstrate varying levels of difficulty for the movements. Therefore, how often you take the classes is your choice.
Background
The classes aim to reproduce characteristics of long and lean dancer’s bodies, including lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs and flattened abs, according to ballet fitness franchise Pure Barre’s website. Many of these classes tout how they add strength without adding bulky muscles. Ballet fitness workouts typically use the ballet barre -- the long bar fixed to the wall which acts as a support. The classes also incorporate a Pilates exercise mat for floor exercises and abdominal muscle work.
Frequency
Pure Barre recommends taking the ballet fitness classes three to four times per week. With that weekly regimen, the franchise notes that most students start to see results in their body within a month. Cardio Barre, another franchise ballet fitness studio, claims its participants lose up to 5 percent body fat in eight weeks. The classes don’t include kicking, punching or jumping. Instead, the classes rely on repetition of exercises that lengthen and strengthen muscles, according to Cardio Barre.
Consistency
Most ballet fitness classes are available daily and instructors recommend consistency to achieve the physique of a ballerina. Just as a professional ballerina often takes ballet classes at least five to six days a week, consistency is also important in ballet fitness classes. Thought ballet fitness classes don’t require daily attendance, the exercises will become easier with consistent workouts. For example, Pure Barre classes are designed so you can take them every day if you wish to.
Considerations
How often you take ballet fitness classes also depends on other factors. Many studios or exercise facilities allow pregnant women to attend ballet fitness classes. Some clients of Pure Barre reported taking the classes up until the day they delivered, according to Pure Barre’s website. While you should always check with your doctor before taking exercise classes during your pregnancy, instructors will encourage either rest during class or alternative poses modified for pregnant women, according to the Barre3 website.
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