Get a summer-fit body without cardio thanks to adult ballet classes

WANT to know how the Victoria Secret models get ready for the catwalk? Forget treadmills and weights - it's all about getting back to ballet.  

THE secret to a supermodel body is here – and it doesn’t involve cardio.

The Victoria’s Secret Angels – widely regarded as having the best bodies in the business - are busy prepping for this year’s parade at the ballet barre, working out with Mary Helen Bowers, a former New York City ballerina who trained Natalie Portman for her role in Black Swan.

Lily Alridge, Erin Heatherton and Doutzen Kroes have credited their shapely physiques to her Ballet Beautiful method, and though Miranda Kerr may not be walking in the parade this year she recently tweeted a photo of herself working out at home with Bowers.

While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to score a one-on-one with Bowers, there are plenty of barre studios in Australia that can help you towards your summer body goals. Emma Seibold operates Barre Body, which has three studios in Melbourne and is opening its first in Sydney at the start of November.

“We use a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet-inspired barre exercises. Everything is focused on toning, strengthening and then stretching to lengthen and shape the muscles. It’s so effective, and so fast,” says Seibold. Results can typically be seen in 10 sessions within a 3-4 week period.

The barre method differs from pilates in providing more of a total body workout, due to the number of small isometric movements and quicker pace.

“Two of our most effective moves are the second position plie and the narrow V plie. We work all the muscles, in particular the really small muscles. You don’t need to worry about trying to target problem areas, our method hits all of them.

The reason the Victoria’s Secret models use this kind of training is that it really works the smaller accessory muscles, which gives definition and shape. Your body is firmer, tighter, more lifted,” says Seibold. 

Gym sessions or that morning run are unnecessary, according to Seibold. “You don’t need to do cardio. You get everything you need from these classes.”

For adult ballet classes in your area visitBarre Body, Xtend Barre, 2 Ballerinas or The Perth Pilates Studio.