Partially Cross-Train Your Way to a Ballerina Body

by Liz Colville

“Did you include any cross-training in your sessions with Portman?” — LOL, Elle magazine wants to know if, in trying to be more like a ballerina exercise-wise, inspired by the rom-com Black Swan, it would be OK to throw in some time on the elliptical or the bike. Well, Natalie Portman’s trainer actually says “Yes!” to cross-training. She and Portman spent a lot of time swimming. Then Elle has to ask, “Why are ballerinas’ figures so fabulously lean?,” and in her head the trainer goes, “You freaking, ugh, did you really just…Have you ever actually seen a ballerina do her thing?!” but out loud, she says it uses a lot of muscles.