Are Ballet Dancers Fitter Than Swimmers?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

31 Oct 2008 08:59 PM

According to a new study conducted by British researchers, the answer is "yes."

Take that Michael Phelps.

Researchers concluded that the overall fitness of ballet dancers is greater than that of international swimmers. The study involved comparing members of the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet School with a squad of British National and International Swimmers, including members of the Olympic team. Participants were tested on strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and their psychological state. The results were then compiled to form individual "fitness profiles."

According to the study, the ballet dancers had stronger "fitness profiles" than their swimming counterparts. Researchers found ballet dancers were 25 percent stronger when tested for grip strength and were mentally "more sound" than the swimmers who took part in the study.

Researchers also found that the physical make-up of the two types of athletes played a large role in how well each recovered from injury and how each adapted to different training programs. The authors of the study say they hope the information obtained in the research will help create better physical therapy programs to aid injured athletes.

"When it comes to training and recovery from injury, it is critical to know precisely the fitness profile needed by the participant in any physical activity," noted researchers. "The individuals fitness training must cater for the varying demands of their 'performance' and should an injury occur, the treatment and rehabilitation that takes place must match the demands that they are going to put on their body when they return - or else further injury is highly likely."

Be that as it may, I think the big headline here is that for once in their lives ballet dancers are getting the recognition they so richly deserve by being categorized as "athletes." Often ballet dancers are labeled "artists" and people forget that what they do with their bodies is incredibly challenging.

What do you make of the study's results? Were you surprised?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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