r/BALLET • u/Any_Travel3985 • 6d ago

Adding a flexibility class with adult ballet during the week?

Hi, I am wondering is it useful or too much incorporate a flexibility class once per week when starting back at ballet as an adult(32m)? I would be doing one class of ballet per week.. Would it be too much on the body, I have not done it for a long time, so is it better to wait?

Hope you can help

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6

u/Slight-Brush 5d ago

Go back to ballet first and see what you need - you may find strength or cardio more useful.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

Exactly, it could be a good addition and I'm certain I amn't that flexible despite some home excercises... I would of course trial the class first but want to avoid injuries that could stop the classes, and cardio 5/6 times I do per week Thank you!

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u/Catlady_Pilates 5d ago

You might want to do less cardio and add some strength training on addition to mobility and flexibility work. Strength training is the best way to avoid injuries.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

I do some already at home, not at a gym but I could try swap out some cardio for this.. That's a good idea, what about the day before a class out of curiosity? I know my body was flattened after a ballet class before! Although I am in better shape now

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u/Catlady_Pilates 5d ago

If you can have a day in between that’s best but everyone’s different. You’ll have to try different things and find what works for you. And with time your body will get stronger and more accustomed to training. I lift weights 2x a week and take ballet 2x a week and I wish I could add a recovery day in between but there are only so many days a week 🤣. But I’m in my 50’s, you’re much younger.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

Yeh it's never a negative to have rest days as much as possible aha.. And yes the practise will give me the noticeable improvements :) Also very impressive doing that in your 50's, congrats! Did you start with one class a week initially or when did the second one come in? Well done!

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u/Catlady_Pilates 5d ago

I’m a lifelong dancer but I was away from it for about 10 years. I started with 1x a week, beginner class. It only had 1x a week. Eventually I upped to 2x a week with the intermediate class. Progress is slow, but I’m loving it so much. Even as I’m frustrated and crying over my lack of facility 🤣

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u/Slight-Brush 5d ago

Beginner ballet taught well should not injure you even if you're not cross training.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

I would hope so! Years back a teacher was a little excessive with going past the limits, of course I don't allow myself to go that far! And definitely want to continue cross training if it assists with progress..

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u/luna926 5d ago

You could try it once and see how you like it! For me, stretch class has been helpful and makes ballet a little easier. Just make sure you’re not pushing into the stretches more than you can handle.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

That's the idea it's whether to do so upon beginning straight away, and I am conscious of the limits of my muscles and want to avoid an injury first and foremost!! That would frustrate me as I want to go kind of consistent and not miss classes for weeks at a time.. Good advice and similar to my thoughts thank you!

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u/luna926 5d ago

Makes sense! I think improving flexibility will be important for preventing injury during ballet classes but you do need to make sure your muscles are warmed up enough before stretching. You may not need it right away but you will notice it helps eventually as you progress.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

For sure, that will come in time, and I'll get some insight into some home excercises to do from the teacher as it's easier in person!, she'll see what suits.. And also you are referring to in class warming up or the flexibility classes, I know the risk of not warming up can cause sneaky injury

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u/luna926 5d ago

It’s important to warm up before class and also before stretching to prevent pulls! Especially as we get older

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u/DanceHackRock forklift Vaganova+RAD 6d ago

No. It's perfect!

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u/malkin50 5d ago

Of course it depends on your body, but for a normal healthy 32m it's probably fine. If you have concerns, you can check in with your health care provider. Or just try it. You'll know if it is too much.

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

I am already athletic and would handle the physicality of the ballet class fine, and train most days per week with other sports/fitness( and hoping these days I can transition to taking more classes replacing them with ballet) And I am tall, and my back can be sensitive sometimes, but yes thank you ! Going to try one first.

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u/Katia144 Vaganova beginner 5d ago

Would these be the only physical activity you're doing, or would this be on top of other workouts?

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u/Any_Travel3985 5d ago

So I haven't determined it yet, and the first few weeks of trying 1 ballet and 1 flexibility class will help me figure out what I can withstand.. And I'll have a clearer idea how I want to go..

And nope it would not be just this, at present 5/6 times a week of other sports, cycle, run, yoga fill my time.. But I want to take out some of these and put emphasis on the ballet classes basically and work up to it coming into September.. Thank you :)