The Best Time Of Day To Take Ballet Class

What’s great about adult ballet classes is the flexible schedule. In efforts to appeal to a broader demographic, schools and studios are offering classes from morning ’til dinnertime. So, what’s the best time of day to take class? Whenever! Consider the Pros and Cons of various time slots.

1. Morning

Pros

Great time to exercise

Studies have suggested that you burn more calories if you engage in physical activity within an hour of waking. So, if you rise with the sun, seize this moment when you are fresh and bright-eyed to go to class. Your body will pull from its energy stores, helping you to shape up and giving you a great start to your day.

Cons

It might make you sick

If you’re prone to digestive upset, or have issues regulating your blood sugar, you might want to pass on morning class. After having been asleep for many hours, your body is trying to slowly adapt to the demands of a new day. Pushing yourself too hard too early could result in cramps, nausea, or dizziness. If you insist you feel fine to take class, be sure to maintain balance with proper hydration and nutrition. Bring a bottled water and a granola bar to avoid a glycemic crash.

2. Afternoon

Pros

It’s an energy boost

If it takes you a while to get your mojo going first thing in the morning, an afternoon class may be perfect for you. It’s not too early that you feel rushed, and it’s not in the evening when you prefer to be winding down. It’s also a great alternative to caffeine. Taking a well-rounded class midday can give you a surge of energy to take on the rest of the day’s tasks.

Cons

Lack of support

There are adults who work from home, have extended lunch breaks, or retired. These typically attend afternoon classes, but unfortunately, sometimes there’s not enough support. The majority are still at work or cannot stop in the middle of the day to dedicate time to class. This can be frustrating when you’re one of only a handful that make up the class. Keep shopping around until you find a class that’s well supported.

3. Evening

Pros

It’s busy

I always loved taking evening class. The studio was abuzz. Grade school students flooded the hallways, and it felt like everyone was on top of their game. Most adults are off work by this time, and can end their day with a good, solid class. This is the most popular time of day to take class which means you won’t have to be your own partner when groups of two perform across the floor. Everyone feels like they’ve accomplished something and that makes for great classroom dynamics.

Cons

It could mess up your sleep schedule

You may love evening class, but find it difficult to fall asleep that night. Exercise helps some sleep, where others are too amped to relax. If this is true in your case, you may want to consider finding an early evening class before 7 pm. Pack some spare dance clothes in your purse or car so as soon as you leave work you can find your way to a rush hour class. If you’re unable to do this and you still end up taking a later class, try unwinding with a hot bath sprinkled in essential oils. This will sooth your sore body and encourage sleep.

There is no right or wrong time to take class. You just have to find out what time of day works best for you. When do you like to take class? Leave a comment!