Expert: Connie - 4/15/2008

Question
Hi! Do you know of any exercises that will help raise extensions to the front, side, and arabesque? i have great flexibility while stretching turn out and extensions, but when it comes to using the muscles in combinations, the flexibilty doesn't show. Also, i am searching for foot exercises that can improve the shape and strengthen the feet. Thank you!

Answer
Instant fixes for extensions are tough to come by, if not impossible.  (If you do find some, let me know!)  The best ways to work them are by stretching muscles involved, strengthening your basic stance, and, of course, taking class!  You can do hamstring stretches, quad stretches, and hip stretches.  Make sure when doing extensions you abdominals are held and you are as pulled up as possible.  For arabesque try grabbing your knee and lifting it up behind you as high as possible.  Then extend it to arabesque (hold on to a bar) and leave it there for a bit.  This has helped me.  For foot exercises try theraband exercises, and of course releves (8 on one foot, 8 on the other, 16 on both).  Good luck, and keep up the hard work!