What does fact checked mean?
At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Ballet Exercises for the Butt
Ballet dancers spend hours a day training -- and it shows. A ballerina booty is typically firm and toned. It's strong enough to support leaps and jumps and single-leg feats of balance and grace. If you want to get a dancer's gorgeous glutes, you'll have to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Incorporating ballet movements such as plies, rear leg extensions and holds into your workout will shape and tone your glutes in all the right places.
Plies in First and Second Position
Plies work the glutes similar to squats. Switching your foot position targets a slightly different area of the glute.
First Position How-To: Begin in first position with your heels together and your toes turned out. Slowly bend your knees as far as you can while keeping the heels on the ground. Make sure the knees track over the toes. Keep your pelvis tucked. Rise back up, engaging the glutes at the top. Do a set of 10 to 15 reps.
Second Position How-To: Switch to second position with your feet about hip-distance apart and your toes turned out. Bend the knees and lower down as far as you can, keeping the heels on the ground and your pelvis tucked. Track the knees over the toes. Rise back up, engaging the glutes at the top. Do a set of 10 to 15 reps.
Repeat each of the exercises for three to four sets.
Ballet Exercises for the Butt
Bridge Ups
Bridge ups are backbends that build flexibility and strength in the glutes and lower back. Grab an exercise mat or do these on a carpeted floor.
How-To: Lie on your back with your knees bent, hands at your sides and your feet flat on the floor hip-distance apart. Contract your core muscles and lift your hips up toward the ceiling. Pause for a moment, then lower back down. Keep the glutes engaged throughout the movement. Repeat 10 to 15 times for three to four sets.
Penches, or Tilts
Working on one leg is challenging both strength- and balance-wise. This rear extension move works the glutes and hamstrings along the backs of the thighs.
How-To: Stand a few feet from the back of a chair. Hold onto the top of the chair with your hands. Extend one leg out behind you with your toes resting lightly on the ground. Contract your core muscles and glutes and begin to hinge at the hips, lowering your upper body down as your back leg rises. Stop when your upper body and back leg are parallel to the floor. Hold for a moment, then return to standing. Do 10 to 15 reps, then switch sides.
Degage and Plie
Taking the best parts of these moves and blending them together creates an exercise that targets all sides of the glutes.
How To: Stand facing a chair back or bar using your hands for support. Start in first position, with your heels together and toes apart. Reach your right foot back, sliding the toes along the floor. Stop before the foot lifts off the ground. Squeeze the glutes. Slide the right foot back into first position and do a plie. Repeat the movement 10 to 15 times on the right side, then switch sides.
Read more: Conditioning Exercises for Ballet Dancers
Explore In Depth
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Jody Braverman is a professional writer and editor based in Atlanta, GA. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland, and she is a certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and yoga teacher. She has written for various online and print publications, including Livestrong.com, SFGate, Healthfully, and Chron.com. Visit the writer at www.JodyBraverman.com.