Burn off the booze in the daintiest way possible with these ballet-inspired exercises

We may be raising a glass or two to celebrate with friends and family but for some, we don’t know the hidden calories contained in our glass.

We speak to Rhea Sheedy, trained in the Royal Academy of Dance style and founder of Ballet Fusion, a unique fitness fusion company built upon traditional ballet techniques with elements of pilates, yoga and fitness.

To help put calories from alcohol into perspective, she’s created a guide (with high-resolution videos demonstrating each exercise) of how much physical activity it would take to burn off some common alcoholic beverages. The below exercises are based on a 70-kilogram person:

One Regular Beer (355 ml) X Lunge to Arabesque Lift

(25 minutes = 123 calories)

From a standing position, step your leg forward lowering your body so your rear knee remains parallel to the ground and your front knee doesn’t go beyond your toes. Keep your core engaged.
Straighten your front leg and, leaning forward slightly, lift the back leg – squeezing the glute.
Lower back to the ground and repeat.
One Table White Wine (145 ml) X Push-ups

(13 minutes = 127 calories)

Get down on all fours with your hand placed slightly wider apart than your shoulders. Your knees can be touching the ground for extra support.
Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the ground, keeping your elbows tucked in at your side. Push yourself back up and repeat.
One Red Table Wine (145 ml) X High Knees

(10 minutes = 122 calories)

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and raise one knee to your chest while keeping your back straight and core engaged.
Raise the other knee to your chest, alternating legs at a running pace.
One Rose Table Wine (145 ml) X Rainbow Leg Butt Lifters

(20 minutes = 147 calories)

Begin the exercise in a kneeling position on all fours with your spine neutral and core engaged.
Straighten one leg out to the side at a 45-degree angle before lifting it straight up and slowly around in a rainbow arc behind you. Touch your toes to the other side before repeating the move going in the opposite direction.
Cosmopolitan (81 ml) X Starfish Cross Crunch

(23 minutes = 141 calories)

Lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out in an ‘X’ position.
Bring one arm straight up and diagonally across your body while lifting the opposite leg. Touch the hand to your shin or foot, depending on your level of flexibility. Alternate back and forth for each repetition.
Daiquiri (80 ml) X Pliés & Squats

(20 minutes = 135 calories)

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes turned outwards.
Bending from the knees, lower the hips down in a deep plié, keeping the spine straight and bottom tucked in before straightening back into the starting position.
Turn the heels back so toes are pointing forwards.
Squat, pushing the hips back and engaging the abs before straightening the legs.
Margarita (120 ml) X Jumping Jacks

(18 minutes = 170 calories)

Stand upright with your legs together, arms at your sides.
Bend your knees slightly and jump into the air spreading your legs to be about shoulder-width apart. Stretch your arms out and over your head.
Jump back to the starting position and repeat.
Rum & Coke (235 ml) X Ballet Burpees

(19 minutes = 185 calories)

From a standing position with your feet parallel or turned out at the corners, bend your knees & push your hips back in a squat.
Place your hands on the ground in front of you. Jump your feet back to land in a plank position. Make sure your back is straight and abs are engaged.
Jump your feet back to the starting position and relevé (a strong rise) onto the balls of your feet as you straighten your legs – squeezing your abs and glutes. Bring the arms overhead to 5th position keeping the shoulders down.
Lower your heels and push back down into a squat for your next rep.
Vodka & Tonic (207 ml) X Sauté Jumps

(12 minutes = 181 calories)

Stand with your feet turned slightly out in 1st position.
Bend the knees and then jump – straightening the legs in the air and pointing the feet.
Land in 1st position, bending the knees and repeat.
Gin & Tonic (207 ml) X Ballet-inspired Mountain Climbers

(18 minutes = 176 calories)

Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and feet hip-width apart. Make sure your back is flat and your core is engaged.
Pull your knee into your chest, controlling the movement and keeping your toes pointed.