A Proper Warm Up is Key to a Successful Ballet Barre Workout

While maintaining a workout routine is key to living a healthy lifestyle, properly warming up before exercising is essential to warding off unwanted injuries. Even though a ballet barre workout is low impact, forgoing a well rounded stretching regiment can have a negative effect on your fitness level which may end up hurting your goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are many misconception surrounding what constitutes as a proper warm up. To help you perform a suitable warm up routine before using your freestanding ballet barre, we have listed the most important concepts behind correctly preparing for your next ballet inspired workout.

Get Your Heart Pumping

When it comes to warming up, many people mistake stretching as the complete package, when in fact, stretching is only part of the warming up process. Priming your muscles for a workout begins with accelerating your heart rate and getting your blood flowing. You can accomplish that by jogging briskly, jumping in place, or performing any activity that slightly picks up your heart rate. The goal of any warm up is to communicate to your body that you are about to go through a vigorous workout.

Stretch Don't Strain

Once you've got your blood flowing, you can begin the next step of warming up. Stretching your tendons, ligaments, and muscles helps prepare them for the more strenuous extension exercises you will perform on your ballet barre. There are two critical points you must remember as you carryout your stretching routine. The first is don't force your stretches. You are trying to ready your body for your workout, not overextend your muscles, which can ultimately lead to an injury. The second is don't bounce into your stretches. There was a time when bouncing was encouraged but in today's fitness world, bouncing equals less control over your muscles which can result in you getting hurt. While stretching is critical to a successful workout, you must refrain from overexerting your muscles.

Don't Push Your Hold Time

Holding a stretch for too long is a common mistake. Many individuals believe the longer you remain in a position the better the results. Unfortunately, this misunderstood concept can cause your body damage. Stretching before a workout should focus on relaxing your muscles not pushing them to the limit. Every person is different and should time their stretches according to their body's boundaries.

Jumping into a workout on your portable ballet barre without warming up and stretching can have a dire effect on your fitness. A proper warm up routine will help you further your workout results and keep you from injuring yourself. If you are looking to elevate your fitness level, adding a portable ballet barre to your home gym can provide you with a unique and effective exercise experience. To view our durable, freestanding barres, please contact us today.

How to Choose a Quality Dance Studio for Your Child

If your child has shown interest in dancing, now may be the perfect time to enroll them in dance classes. Selecting a dance studio you're comfortable sending your child to will require a bit of research. If you're unsure on how to start your pursuit for a quality dance studio, the list provided below can help you narrow down your choices before making your final decision.

Recommendations

Asking friends about their own experiences with a studio is an excellent starting point for your search. Their opinions on the setting and the teachers at the dance school can help you decide whether or not further research is warranted or if you should simply cross a studio off of your list.

Visit a Variety of Dance Studios

The only way to truly feel out a dance studio is by visiting the establishment. The overall appearance of the studio is a good indication of how the school is run. If the front lobby is organized and the dance equipment, barres and floors are well maintained, you can rest assured the owner and staff take pride in their dance studio. On the other hand, if the environment is chaotic, the studio's dance classes will most likely reflect the school's atmosphere.

Talk to the Teachers

During your visit, ask to talk to the dance studio's instructors. Finding out each teachers dance qualifications plus their experience with children can tell you if they have the proper training. Sitting in on the class you wish to enroll your child in is also key to knowing whether the instructor's teaching technique is a good fit for your child's personality.

Inspect the Equipment

The quality of the dance studio's equipment is essential to your child's safety. Ask about the dance floor and whether or not it's cushioned. Dancing can be a high impact activity and if the floor is not cushioned your child has a higher risk of hurting themselves. Dance barres are another piece of equipment that you're likely to spot in a studio's classroom. Now-a-days many establishments invest in portable dance barres due to the convenience of moving the barre from one classroom to another. While you're walking around the building take a moment to inspect the strength and sturdiness of the dance barres you see.

Nurturing Your Child's Love For Dance

Once you've chosen a quality dance studio and your child has started to attend classes, their love for the art of dance will quickly bloom. If you've found yourself looking for ways to further their dance experience, you may want to consider purchasing a portable dance barre for your home. Doing so will allow your child to practice outside of the studio which can boost their confidence and their skills.

To learn more about Boss Portable Dance Barres, please contact us and we'll be happy to answer all of your questions.