Three different workouts — a half-hour of ballet and dance-inspired moves, six minutes of barre work and and 50 minutes of Pilates-based stretching and mat work. Stephanie Herman instructs.

Intermediate exercisers. Knowing ballet terminology is very helpful, as Herman uses it frequently. You will need a sturdy chair for the barre section, and an exercise mat.

As a dancer, Stephanie Herman has worked with George Balanchine and Martha Graham. She has also worked with Joseph Pilates disciple Carola Trier. This tells you a lot about the workouts on this DVD. They aren't cardio based, and you won't find traditional sculpting and weight training exercises. Instead you get flowing dance workouts that increase flexibility and grace as much as they shape your muscles. You'll have more confidence with this DVD if you've practiced to other ballet-inspired workouts, or have at least a few ballet classes somewhere in your past. The first workout is a half hour of dance moves that aren't too difficult to grasp (that doesn't mean you will be able to do them flawlessly the first time through, however). The second, short session is barre work that can be done with the help of a sturdy chair. You'll feel your leg muscles lengthening with this one. The final session is 50 minutes of Pilates-inspired mat work. It's not as active as a Pilates workout — there is more stretching — but that does not make it easy. Don't be surprised if you feel the effects the next day. While this is an artistic set of workouts, don't make the mistake of assuming that you'll glide right through them. Intermediate level exercisers will get the most benefit from this DVD — you need a certain amount of muscle knowledge to really grasp these exercises and understand the form.

 

To Order Dance With Me — Ballet Workout