Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 6/26/2008

Question
i had to leave ballet at 18 due to an injury(i started at 3), i am now 22, and have been told i can dance again, the problem     
is i need to loose one stone and to tone up again. I'm looking for tips on toning up, flexibility and to lose weight.
Thanks for your help.
Anna

Answer
Hi Anna. I have a lot of articles at http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com on all the above. If you read through them, and have any unanswered questions, please get back to me.

The weight loss ad on the left sidebar is about calorie cycling. It is a great way to lose weight, and the site gives you tools to track your weight loss and daily recipes too.

If you don't go into a ballet class right away, I would recommend 2-3 months of Pilates classes. I think that would prepare your core muscles for a return to ballet, and provide some stretching too. Let your teacher know exactly what your goal is, if you do that. I'm sure with your ballet background your muscle memory will kick in and you'll build strength in good time.

Remember to relax your muscles after every workout and be patient with your progress as you get back into shape.

All the best, Dianne