 Element: Ballet Conditioning(Starz) 2007 What is it? A 50-minute toning workout based on ballet exercises. Elise Gulan instructs. Who is it for? Intermediate exercisers — this workout does not use weights, but that doesn't mean it is easy! You should be familiar with ballet moves to get the most out of these moves (they're sometimes quite subtle). Being flexible is also helpful, although this routine will help you gain flexibility to a certain extent. You will need a sturdy chair, which Gulan uses in place of a ballet barre. The fibers of my living room rug are a little slick, so I found that laying down a mat was also helpful.
What to expect: To be honest, ballet workouts have always been a bit too girly for me. Keep in mind that girly definitely does not equal wimpy. Take this workout, for example. Elise Gulan is all pretty blonde femininity, illustrating each move with the utmost grace, beauty and effortless control. In fact, she constantly emphasizes that ballet moves are meant to appear effortless. That does not mean, of course, that these exercises are effortless. Quite the opposite. Some of these moves are really tough and take a lot of strength and flexibility. While Gulan is smiling serenely through her pliés and ronde de jambs, your leg and abdominal muscles will want to scream, "Uncle!" Ballet dancers are tough cookies. But they are also girly. I can never picture them sweating, flopping around, or exploding in the joy of movement for the sheer fun of it. Personally, I like sweating and jumping around in uncontrolled ecstasy. So as a rule, ballet is just not for me. That said, my muscles were quivering when I finished this workout. Gulan's approach to ballet is quite friendly — terms like "first position" and "tendu" glide off her tongue as nicely as the accompanying moves, but she also offers helpful definitions. The more familiar you are with ballet (and Pilates), the better you will like this routine, because your knowledge will help you get some of the subtle moves that will make all the difference in shaping your legs and rear end. Your lower body and abs will benefit the most from these exercises, but having your arms elevated for most of the time you are working out will also enhance their tone. So even though ballet leaves me a little cold, if you've never completely abandoned your childhood dream to be a ballerina, then put on your mental tutu and give this DVD a spin. Other Exercise DVDs you may like:
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