topic Re: Back to the Barre in Community Chat

Back to the Barre

Desert Lily — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:16:02 GMT

I quit doing my exercise routine at home in August. I sold my house last summer & thought I'd be moving then, so I packed up 90% of my belongings. I've been living with stacks of packed boxes in every room except the kitchen & my bedroom.

But, my BFF injured her knee while walking in a parking lot a couple weeks ago, and that inspired me to start exercising again.

I push boxes out of the way now before and after my power walking, leg lifts, arm exercises, etc. to albums by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Carol King... I did this routine for about a week & then found myself doing cool down moves that I had learned as a child in dance class (I took ballet & pointe for 11 years). I went online to watch some ballet for seniors on Youtube for a variety of ending moves.

My barre exercises happen while I'm holding onto 1 of the boxes. I don't do the kicks, back stretches, sauter, & some others. But at the end of my regular exercises, I like the control & grace of the gentle ballet movements that give me a cool down, some stretch & might increase my balance. I can almost hear my old ballet teacher beating her cane on the wooden floor in rhythm to the piano and telling us to keep our heads up, toes pointed, and hands in position.

It feels good to exercise again, & I gain a sense of peace while concentrating on simple ballet moves - perhaps not unlike yoga. Looking back, I think I've been depressed, and if not depressed, then truly stressed during these challenging times.

I expect that as my exercise routine continues to evolve, so will my peace of mind.

Re: Back to the Barre

Oznell — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:22:19 GMT

That is fabulous, @Desert Lily , that you've rediscovered your dance routine. I used to love barre work too, although I didn't stick to it nearly as long as you did.

You make me want to dig up my old, battered little pink leather ballet slippers...

You make such a good point about stress and depression. Hope you continue to enjoy your routines and reap maximum benefit.

Re: Back to the Barre

Skyegirl21 — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:30:04 GMT

I recently used a CD by Mary Helen Bowers (ballerina) to rehab a hamstring injury and it worked successfully! She has workout videos (and an app I think), all ballet workouts, that are great! It is low impact, very relaxed, and easy if you have taken any ballet at all... But you have to be in somewhat good shape to do them. I love ballet and applaud you @Desert Lily ! Go for it girl! Thanks for sharing- 💝👏🏼👍🏼

Re: Back to the Barre

LTT1 — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:32:31 GMT

@Desert Lily

Congratulations! For continuing to exercise!

I agree with everything you have written! ❤️

Re: Back to the Barre

BirkiLady — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:54:01 GMT

@Desert Lily Doesn't it feel good? I've been doing barre exercises for years. Like you, I took ballet and toe for many years as a child and teen. Have never really given up my love for its beauty as well as how graceful and trim my body has always been.

Nice of you to help your friend, too. Stay well and enjoy your holiday!

Re: Back to the Barre

Karie2022 — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:25:53 GMT

@Desert Lily wrote:
I quit doing my exercise routine at home in August. I sold my house last summer & thought I'd be moving then, so I packed up 90% of my belongings. I've been living with stacks of packed boxes in every room except the kitchen & my bedroom.

But, my BFF injured her knee while walking in a parking lot a couple weeks ago, and that inspired me to start exercising again.

I push boxes out of the way now before and after my power walking, leg lifts, arm exercises, etc. to albums by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Carol King... I did this routine for about a week & then found myself doing cool down moves that I had learned as a child in dance class (I took ballet & pointe for 11 years). I went online to watch some ballet for seniors on Youtube for a variety of ending moves.

My barre exercises happen while I'm holding onto 1 of the boxes. I don't do the kicks, back stretches, sauter, & some others. But at the end of my regular exercises, I like the control & grace of the gentle ballet movements that give me a cool down, some stretch & might increase my balance. I can almost hear my old ballet teacher beating her cane on the wooden floor in rhythm to the piano and telling us to keep our heads up, toes pointed, and hands in position.

It feels good to exercise again, & I gain a sense of peace while concentrating on simple ballet moves - perhaps not unlike yoga. Looking back, I think I've been depressed, and if not depressed, then truly stressed during these challenging times.

I expect that as my exercise routine continues to evolve, so will my peace of mind.

Wonderful!! It's amazing how good we can feel when our bodies are doing something we love as opposed to something we 'should or have ' to do...,Makes all the difference. I too have been depressed, I think sometimes that's hard to admit. I'm actually meeting with a therapist tomorrow and have joined an over 50 ladies gym...sometimes just getting started and making that first move is just what you need to get on a better path.

Re: Back to the Barre

phoenixbrd — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 01:43:22 GMT

@Desert Lily What a beautiful and inspiring share. Congratulations for making a change in your life that will benefit you on so many levels. I, also, enjoyed the contributions of the other posters. Uplifting thread

Re: Back to the Barre

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 11:45:12 GMT

@Desert Lily

Your post made me smile! I love the little illustrations, too! How great that you are getting into it again. I always wanted to take ballet but never got to. However, I admire the grace, strength and beauty of ballet dancing. I have tried in the past to do many ballet steps and stretches, some more successful than others! I applaude you for your efforts!!!

Re: Back to the Barre

PilatesLover — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:03:43 GMT

Good for you! Thanks for posting. I've been meaning to try some of those ballet/barre classes on YT.

Re: Back to the Barre

ECBG — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:01:57 GMT

How creative! Congrats!

Re: Back to the Barre

Duckncover — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:57:27 GMT

Good for you! I can see how a cool-down using your ballet moves would be so relaxing and motivating as well. It does feel so good to up and move around. We both vegged-out far too long during the initial Covid months, but finally couldn't stand it anymore and went back to our daily walks and DH back to his rehab gym when it re-opened. I love ballet but was never able to take lessons.