With devotees like
Madonna,
Kelly Ripa, and
Natalie Portman, it's not surprising that women everywhere are flocking to
barre workout classes. But it's not just Hollywood hype! Ballet-inspired workouts are a great way to develop lean muscle mass while improving your balance, flexibility, and range of motion. The only downside: Some classes come with a high price tag. To help you get in on the barre craze on any budget, we asked Miami-based fitness expert Jessica Smith to create an at-home, ballet-inspired routine that will help lift, lengthen, and tone your entire body.
Workout details: Do 1 set of the recommended number of reps for each move, moving from one to the next with little rest in between. Depending on how much time (and energy) you have, repeat the full circuit 1, 2, or 3 times total.
You’ll need: A sturdy, high back chair and a set of light hand weights (2-5 lbs).
