Summer flew by and it's time to get back into the studio.  Your Summer may have been filled with everything from nationals to vacation trips...  If you haven't been hitting the studio, the work ahead may seem very daunting.  However, it doesn't have to be!  We've put together 5 fun ways to get yourself back in shape after the summer season to get ready for the year ahead.

Get your cardio up with a dance party!

Invite your friends over for a half hour dance party.  The more silly, the better.  The goal is to get your body moving for an extended period of time.  All it takes is some friends and a Spotify playlist to get grooving.

START A PLANK CHALLENGE

A dancer needs a strong core for support and stability, and planks are one of the best ab exercises you can do!  Try this plank challenge with holds and variations for 5 days to get your abs in shape:

• Monday: hold plank for 30 seconds / 3 times

• Tuesday: hold plank for 45 seconds / 3 times

• Wednesday: hold plank for 1 min. / 3 times

• Thursday: hold plank for 1 min. 30 seconds / 3 times

• Friday: hold plank for 1 min. + add variation / 3 times

Need some new plank variations?  Try side planks, toe taps, shoulder taps, inchworms, body saw... the possibilities are endless!

GET BACK INTO A STRETCH ROUTINE

You are going to be tight, especially if you have been traveling and sitting a lot.  Don't be alarmed if your flexibility has been significantly reduced.  Once you get your body moving in dance class again, it won't be long until you're flexibility kicks in.  Now is a great time to start your stretch routine back up.  All it takes is a 10 min. stretch sesh at night before bed.  You won't regret it.

GIVE YOURSELF A Ballet Barre

You can use virtually anything as a barre in your house. Set aside some time to practice your pliés and tendus to wake up your muscles and feet.  Take it slow and work on the technical principles you go over time and time again in ballet class.

The main goal of dance conditioning is to get your body safely moving as you head back into hours of class, rehearsal and performance.  Have a question about dance conditioning? Leave a comment below!