Lean-Body Tips from Professional Dancers

All-star dancers reveal how they maintain their rock-hard bods

How do professional dancers keep those lean, mean physiques? Sure, they dance for a living (and burn off hundreds of calories while doing so), but they also work hard at maintaining their perfectly toned figures. We asked four all-star dancers to share their best fitness tips that you can use at home or at the gym, even if you have two left feet.

1. Lacey Schwimmer

As Lady Foot Locker’s brand ambassador (and former Dancing With the Stars cast member), Lacey Schwimmer knows what it takes to keep her body in top shape. The dancer/singer keeps her legs toned at home by doing toe rises, known as “releves” in the ballet world. The simple exercise effectively targets your calves, thighs, and glutes.

“Stand by a nearby wall, bar, or table for balance and put one of your ankles to your opposite knee,” Schwimmer says. “Rise up on one foot as high as you can go, then come back down.”

Do this 50 times total, but alternate feet after 3 reps. Make sure to point your toes of the lifted foot and stretch when you're finished!

“This will prevent injury and help your muscles heal faster and grow stronger,” Schwimmer says.

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