07-01-16, 04:30 AM | |
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Netherlands
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The Ballet Beautiful videos on Be Fit are almost all sections from the Classic DVD so no need to purchase it. I do the ab work with a ball behind my back (something learned from Barre3); that helps me to focus on my abdominals instead of compensating with other muscles. The ball has been instrumental for me to properly activate core muscles.
When I do other videos with ab sections, especially C-curve work which is not helpful for me, I sub in some Ballet Beautiful or Barre3 type ab work. You might also try Jill Miller's Coregeous which has good instruction and follow along workouts. Suzanne Bowen's Gorgeous Core also has a great plank section (Sleek Physique). Planks can also help to lean out the midsection. I have Ballet Beautiful's Backstage workouts (a killer 15 minute ab section!) which are streaming and other bundles of streaming videos are available for purchase. If you like the streaming option, you can get the Ab Blast Bundle. Mary Helen seems to be making fewer DVDs since she started a subscription streaming service. I picked up the Sculpt and Burn video at Mary's sale, but haven't seen it yet. I think that consistency is important; you don't need to spend more than 5-10 minutes on ab work, but you need to do it regularly. I also find that doing outer thigh and glute work helps to shape my abs because everything goes back in place, if that makes sense. Exercises that target the gluteus medius are especially helpful in this regard. Last edited by starbelly; 07-01-16 at 04:32 AM. Reason: ETA- streaming option |
07-01-16, 07:17 AM | |
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Netherlands
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I'm 45 and, of course, results vary. My mother is in her 70s and has amazing skin without regular exercise, but I have not inherited her good fortune. The Ballet Beautiful results were very unexpected but much appreciated!
What I believe has happened is that the tightening of the muscles underneath lifted my skin. Everything has perked up. |
07-01-16, 07:51 AM | |
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston
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So starbelly are referring only to the abdominal area with Ballet Beautiful? I find that just doing pilates and adding in extra planks helps with that as long as I'm consistent. I was wondering about her arm work? Of course at 45 I doubt you have to worry about the batwings.
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Becky |
07-01-16, 08:53 AM | ||
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Netherlands
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Quote:
I have mixed feelings about BB arm work. Some moves aggravated trigger points in my back, but I do feel that the work did more for my posture than my arms, an important benefit. I will say that everything seems tighter after a 4 week rotation, so there were some benefits for my arms, but I also do yoga every day and plank work at least 3 days per week so it's hard to say which had the biggest effect. I thought that I would dread using one instructor 5 days per week, but I find Mary Helen to be calming and since much of the work is on the mat (I don't do her cardio) I am able to do it even after a long day at work. The streaming is outrageously expensive at $40 per month so I won't stick with that, but I have purchased some of the bundles to keep up with my BB habit in addition to the videos I have. I have noticed a difference in my arms from Hamelin D'Abell's workouts. There are many free videos on youtube. This is one of my favorite freebies, but if you are interested in arms, try this or this. |
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Tags |
ballet beautiful, menopot |
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