Expert: Connie - 8/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Connie. I was wondering if you can help me with my problem. I've been doing ballet for 10 months, and I can't help but notice that my legs are getting very bulky. I was wondering if you know anyway to make them smaller? All the ballerinas I've seen has long, lean legs. I am 5"2 and weigh 114 pounds, so i don't think my weight is a problem. However, I do play sports outside class.

ANSWER: Ballet, if done correctly, should not be making your legs bulky.  You could talk to your teacher about your concerns; perhaps there are different muscle groups you can concentrate on.  If you're doing sports that require lots of running that could be influencing your legs.  Some people also just have more muscular builds, so you may be prone to building muscle quickly.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer! But does stretching help? My teacher says that it's becuase my quads are tensing a lot and doing most of the work, that's why it's bulking up. I know that you're not suppose to use your quads, but how can I develop my muslces in the right way?

Answer
Stretching may help to elongate the muscles.  Grab your knee and gently pull it close to your bottom until you feel a stretch.

When someone says "don't use your quads" what they really mean is focus on using other muscles.  It's physically impossible to not use your quads when jumping or lifting your leg.  However, if you think of lifting from the back of the leg and really elongating through the leg, knee, and foot, you will develop longer, more elegant muscles.  Hope this helps!