Dancer’s bodies are typically long, lean, and strong. Many people envy the physique but don’t actually realize that they can get a similar shape.

Use these tips to shape your workout routine in order to get a dancer’s body.


Start doing Pilates.
Pilates develops long, lean muscles in the arms, legs, and glutes. Doing Pilates on a regular basis will help you get the kind of shape and strength you're after. It will also increase your flexibility, so that you can move as fluidly as someone who dances, as well. Pilates exercises are also great for strengthening the core, which translates to better balance, a taut midsection, and a toned back.

Do Pilates a few times a week to tone your body with a method that doesn’t build bulky muscles. Check out our free 32 Minute Pilates Video for ideas on good exercises to make part of your routine.


Do 30 minutes to an hour of cardio every day.
In order to get into this kind of shape, you need to be at a healthy bodyweight. If you aren’t already there, regular cardio can help. The other component of this important factor is making sure that your diet is healthy. Make sure that the majority of your diet consists of fresh and raw foods and whole grains. Avoid eating things that come from a package as often as possible as they are usually empty calories (at best) and packed to the brim with sodium, which leads to bloat.

Even if you are at a healthy bodyweight, cardio is good for your heart and will help you maintain a lean composition. Do this short Home Cardio Routine a couple of times a day to keep your metabolism stoked.


Strength train
If you want to be lean and toned, strength training should be on your radar. Women can physically not “bulk up” (read Women and Weightlifting), so there is no reason to steer clear of weight training.

If you want to stay very lean, use light weights and high repetitions. For example, you should use a weight that is light enough that it’s hard to complete the exercise by repetition number 18-20, instead of 8-15, such as when you are trying to build strength. Keep in mind though, that lifting heavy has a longer lasting benefit in terms of helping you stay lean.


Lastly, to get a body like a dancer…Dance!
It is one of the best ways to go about this goal, and it’s fun! This physical activity burns a lot of calories and the sporadic movements call upon many muscles. If you really want to have that kind of shape, start dancing!