The Advantages of Cross Training for the Dancer - October ProTip

EDD’s monthly newsletter designed to
share our 30 years of EXPERTISE, ADVICE
and RESOURCES with dancers &
parents of ALL ages!

 

PROTIP # 15

The Advantages of Cross Training

As a dancer, we focus so much on the perfection of the dance steps, but do we focus on what our body truly needs? As dancers, we are determined and diligent in our work ethic, while also having a high tolerance for pain. We often ignore what our bodies need, signs that we pushed too far, or when we need to scale it back. Our body is our job, our work of art, so we need to take care of It.

To be your strongest self as a dancer, you need to fuel your body with all different aspects of health and fitness inside and outside of the studio.

Cross-training for dancers has many benefits to increase overall health and longevity of a dancer.

BENEFITS

If I could give advice to my younger self, the most important thing I’d share is the idea of cross-training, physically and mentally. The biggest advantage to cross-training is injury prevention.

Of course as a dancer, we are at high risk for injuries. Most injuries occur from over usage. The act of cross-training gives the muscles used in dance a break while bringing the focus to strengthening surrounding muscles. Working the same muscle groups over and over again make the muscle tighter and tighter and because of the intense work being done on the few overused muscles, we become less flexible and our range of motion decreases. Working the muscles and tendons at a different level of intensity helps them to recover from the wear and tear. Injuries are developed from overuse, which are a direct cause of muscle imbalance.

To help prevent injuries:

-Strengthen the muscles you don’t often use

-Strengthen your non-dominant side, as well as all the little muscles surrounding the areas that stabilize the joint.

REHABILITATION

This leads into the second advantage of cross-training, rehabilitation. If you are experiencing an injury that has made you take a break from dance, cross training to stay in shape while you recover is incredibly helpful to return to the studio even stronger. Coming off an injury while cross-training will help you feel more prepared and stronger than before.

MENTAL HEALTH

Not only does cross-training help you physically, but mentally as well. Although we love dance and moving our bodies in unique ways, it’s important to change up your schedule to keep your mind engaged.

-Cross-training is a stress reliever and a mood booster.

-Cardio and resistance type workouts will challenge the brain and even help to improve memory!

We are all passionate about dance and the art form, but you always have to keep the mind and body challenged with new and inviting ways to work in and out of the studio.

ENJOY IT!

The benefits of cross-training are endless.

Let’s practice a few!

Some cross-training workouts may be too intense for a dancer, but know which is best for your body. You want to enjoy cross-training, so try a few different ways to workout and keep changing it up!

Recommended cross-training workouts for dancers :

  • Swimming

  • Pilates

  • Yoga

  • Biking

  • Running/Elliptical

These are just a few ideas to keep your body moving and training outside of the studio. Make sure to wear supportive footwear, drinks plenty of water, and have fun!

—Keep moving,
Emy

 

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ProTip Advisor:
Emy Bezbatchenko

Emy is in her third season as a company member with EDD, is certified in STOTT level 1 and is in training for her Gyrotonic certification.