Ballet Workout - Mommy and Me

Dance inspired workouts are more than just dancing. They help you work on your form and your core strength as well. All of which help our posture and as all of us moms know, carrying kids, groceries, car seats etc can leave our posture with a little something to be desired!!

What kids DOESN'T love to dance?!?! So turn on some music, gather the kids and try these at home workouts with a burst of cardio in between each move!! The kids can burn off some energy and you will slip right into those pre-prego jeans in no time!!

Plie JumpsTargets: Hips, thighs and lower legs
A. Stand with heels together, turning legs out from the hip, toes pointed out, and arms at sides. Brace upper body keeping shoulders down and navel pulled in toward spine. Bend knees, then jump up, straightening legs, pointing toes, and bringing  arms in front of body at chest height in mid air. B. Land softly with feet farther than hip distance apart, knees bent, arms out and shoulder height. Then jump again, landing with heels back together, knees bent and arms at side. Repeat 16 times. Perform between each set of ballet moves for cardio.

Side Reach
Targets Thighs, lower legs and abs
Stand with feet wider than hip distance, toes turned out, arms out at shoulder height. Bend knees, then as you return to standing, reach right arm overhead to the left and bend at waist, engaging abs, pointing right foot. Return to start and repeat on left side. That's one set, do 12 sets

Derriere Lifts
Targets Butt and Hips
Using a chair for support, stand with right foot pointed behind you. Bend right knee to a 90 degree angel and lift leg with knee turned out. Squeezing your glute, continue lifting leg up behind you as high as it will comfortably go, then lower slightly. Repeat 12 times and switch sides

Long Leg Extensions
Targets Abs and Butt
Lie on back, legs together with feet slightly turned out, arms resting on floor above head, elbows slightly bent. Peel head and shoulders off floor and raise arms. At the same time, bend the left leg by sliding left foot up to right knee, with right knee turned out. Keeping upper back off floor, unfold the leg pointing it straight up; then lower leg, head and arms to the ground slowly and with control. Do 12 sets. Repeat with right leg.

Fourth Position Chair Squats
Targets Triceps, quads, core, back and shoulders

A. Holding 3 to 5 pound dumbbells at sides, stand with feet hip distance apart, one slightly in front of the other, weight evenly distributed. Lift up on toes as high as possible, then sink down with back straight as if sitting in a chair, standing on toes. At the same time, bring arms in front of body to shoulder height. B Keeping weight centered, straighten legs while staying on toes, pushing arms down and slightly behind you, engaging your triceps. Return to sit position. Repeat 12 times.

Standing Sit-Up
Targets Abs
Stand with heels together, feet pointed out, arms above head with elbows slightly bent. Pull belly button back toward spine and bend forward at waist, rounding through back  your chin toward your chest while gazing at your navel. Slowly roll back up, maintaining control, as if doing a sit up off the floor. Repeat 15 times.

For more helpful workout tips and healthy eating recipes send me a friend request on Facebook or check out my Healthy Girl Fitness page!! There's no time like the present to get in shape before the holidays! Don't wait to make this your New Years Resolution AGAIN this year. Start TODAY!!

Source: Parents Magazine