Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/19/2009

Question
Dear Dianne, I love to go for a run every day for cardio as an addition to my ballet classes, but my teacher has told me not to do this because it will create big bulky muscles in my legs and she says ballet dancers should avoid this. This seems strange to me. Is running really going to give me bulky muscles, and is it really necessary to give it up? Is there a way to avoid the bulky muscles? Thanks for your advice!

Answer
Hi Liz. I'm going to answer you with a myth-buster: running or any other kind of "aerobic" activity does not strengthen the heart.

The clinical studies and other documentation about this are outlined in a book "Body By Science" by Doug McGuff, M.D., and John Little.

In fact, the high intensity muscle strengthening exercises in ballet is better training for the body's ability to do sudden high-exertion activity.

Running may bulk up thighs, but as far as I've seen, not that much. However, running does create a wear and tear on the body's joints that should be avoided.

Basically, if the large muscles in the legs/back/arms are strengthened by slow motion high intensity work, then the heart doesn't HAVE to do anything extra when a sudden burst of energy is required. The heart only needs to do extra when the muscles in the legs/back/arms are weak and unable to take an unexpected load of work.

If you want to investigate this further, get the book and read about it. It definitely changes the way we have thought about cardio training for the past few decades.

Swimming would be a better exercise. It does not stress the joints and yet strengthens the upper body and legs.

Sometimes progress surprises us. I was!

All the best, Dianne

Hi again Liz. Here is a link to a fuller answer to your question, by Lisa Howell. http://theballetblog.com/content/view/147/23/   This detail provides a formula, which individuals would develop for themselves, to build cardiovascular strength with high intensity training. I think you'll find it interesting. I had it in the back of my mind when I read your question but couldn't remember exactly where I'd read it! (I read a ton of info all the time!).

Dr. Al Sears, M.D. has put together a similar program called Pace Training. A link to that info is:
http://www.antiinflammatoryomegas.blogspot.com

Click on the top picture, you'll see the word "Pace", and then click on the same image when the site loads - it's down a ways on the left.

This may be more detail than you wanted, but if not, you'll benefit from it even when you grow old! (Look at Jack Lelaine, 95!)