There are plenty of professional and amateur athletes who want to improve their fitness performance.
Surprisingly enough, ballet is an excellent way to level up your athletic abilities.
And The Landing Dance Centre offers all kinds of adult ballet classes in Vancouver, BC for those who want to stretch themselves in a new way.
But does ballet really help with athletic performance? Absolutely. While ballet may seem like a genteel pastime, it requires athleticism, discipline, focus and coordination. Because of this, there are several reasons why ballet can help adult athletes reach their performance goals.
Here’s how ballet can improve your coordination, muscle strength, flexibility and more.
Ballet increases speed
You may not realize it, but the majority of muscles worked in a ballet class are the same muscles used in explosive movement. For example, if a ballet dancer jumps in the air, the muscles they use to push off the ground are the same muscles a basketball player would use to jump up and sink the ball in the basket. Ballet gives your legs a holistic workout by targeting your hamstrings, thighs, glutes, calves and feet. If you want more speed, give ballet a try.
It increases mind-body connection
Ballet dancers are almost constantly in motion, and always move in time with the music. This cross training will help athletes connect the dots between tempo, form, muscle support and more. It also helps with coordination since your brain works to move your body in tandem with the music.
Ballet helps athletes gain flexibility and mobility
This may seem like a given, but ballet can absolutely help with flexibility and mobility issues. If your body seems rigid at times, and certain movements are difficult to do, you may have overly-tight muscles. Ballet encourages your muscles to elongate and stretch out, which will give you more range of motion and lessen the chance of injury.
It can strengthen joints
Steve Mclendon of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers took ballet when he wanted to improve his balance, work on timing, build endurance and strengthen his joints. In an interview with CBS Sports, Mclendon said that ballet helped strengthen his knees, ankles and feet, and notices a significant impact when he spends more time in the ballet studio.
Ballet helps with endurance
When a dancer is on the stage or practicing a routine, they are constantly moving. The same can be said for a dance class. If you want to have longer staying power as an athlete, ballet is a great way to help you build mental and physical endurance. From the repeated movements to continuous dancing, your body will learn how to adapt. This type of strength serves athletes of all kinds.
It’s clear to see that there are plenty of ways ballet can help adult athletes level up their performance. Whether you’re interested in working on stamina or sprints, there’s something in the dance studio for you.
If you’re curious about adding ballet to your training regiment, talk with a ballet instructor about your goals. They can help you focus on specific muscle groups while you’re in class and give you exercises to work on at home.
Contact us today if you want to learn more about adult ballet classes in Vancouver, BC or have questions about The Landing Dance Centre! We can't wait to see you in the studio.
