Cirque de Soleil Workout For Home

If you've ever enjoyed a Cirque du Soleil performance, you'll no doubt agree that the performers in these shows have some of the best bodies in entertainment. They're strong, lean, flexible and have almost magical powers when it comes to acrobatics. I recently went back stage to work with Olivier Renaud, an über fit acrobat from the cast of Saltimbanco, Cirque's traveling arena show. Here, Olivier shares his three favorite exercises, and they're all moves you can do at home. They target the upper body, abs and lower body and I'll admit that Olivier looks fabulous doing them!

Oliver's exercises offer a range of benefits, including strength, balance and proprioception. Proprioception is something you want to train for -- it's basically your body's ability to respond to its surroundings without you intentionally willing it to. For example, if your foot were to hit the edge of the sidewalk, your ankle would have two choices on how to respond. It could either roll out, causing you to tumble over and injure yourself. Or it could instantly retract and keep you up on your feet. This split-second response comes from your body's natural ability to do what is best for you. With a short response time, you wouldn't be able to think, "Gee, let me pull my foot in this other direction." It either happens or it doesn't. Super proprioception keeps you on your feet!

On another note, I took my family to see Saltimanco. This show offered one breathtaking performance after another. My husband and I gasped, and my children belly laughed. I'd see it 20 more times if I could. I think it inspired every one in the audience to hit the gym a bit more too.

For more innovative fitness videos, visit Fitzness.com