Quick Calves Workout
Here's a workout that I learned from one of my many dance directors that I like to pull out occasionally to strengthen my legs! It's great for dancers, but also for anybody looking for a good, fun strengthening routine. It works your quads, inner thighs, calves, ankles, and even your core and the booty if you focus on keeping your hips tucked under appropriately and keeping your whole body tight. Put on a song with a moderately fast beat that you can count along to easily. Pop music is great. I'll start off by explaining that "8" at the beginning of each line means it's one, full 8-count. Tips: make sure to be constantly moving and using up the allotted time, instead of getting onto your toes and just holding for the rest of the 8-count. Also, if you aren't a dancer, be extra cautious of keeping your knees in line with your toes. No need to force a turnout and injure yourself! Make sure to be warmed up and stretched through your legs before beginning, and stretch your calves well afterwards. Keep those hips tucked under and your back straight! 1. Start in first position, turned out. 8- Elevé, rising slowly onto your toes 8- Descend slowly into first 8- Elevé on odd counts, descend on even counts (basically, go up onto toes quickly 4x) 8- Elevé for two counts, descend for two counts. Plié (bend at the knees to stretch out those calves and ankles) for two counts, and tendu (or shift) into your next position. From there, repeat in: 2. Second position, turned out 3. First position, parallel 4. Second position, parallel And there you have it! You may need to start out with just one round if you're like me and your calves get sore super easily. However, if you're a total beast already, repeat until you feel like stopping. Disclaimer: I am not a certified personal trainer, just someone with many years of dance conditioning and experience under her belt. Feel free to comment or shoot me a message if you have any questions!