Dance is a long celebrated part of many cultures and has been for centuries. Barring professional dancers, there are nearly 55,000 dance studios in the US where people take dance classes for fun or fitness.
As fun as dance classes are, they have all the benefits of any exercise and then some. One of the major advantages anyone can get from dance is increased flexibility. Here are some tips to help that along if you’re already in dance classes.
1. Don’t Rush It
Some people are just built differently. And no, that’s not a quote off of Instagram; that’s a reality. What we mean when we say they’re built differently, some people will find their bodies more limber and flexible after just a few classes. In contrast, others might just feel…. well, stiff.
When you start with dance, it’s like any other exercise. You have to wait for the results to show up. It might take weeks for some and months for another. Look at the bigger picture; it’s improving your body both internally and externally. So remember, don’t rush it!
2. Warm-Up Before Starting
If you’ve exercised properly, you know you have to put in a bit of cardio before strength training. This is a necessary step to awaken the muscles and ensure the body doesn’t suffer any damage while lifting weights.
Dance might not feel like it, but it’s as intense as any other weight training. Before you start dancing, warm up. It’ll help maintain your flow as well.
3. Stretch the Right Way
Although the jury is still out on it, there seems to be a consensus among the fitness community that dynamic stretching should be done before starting any exercise, and static stretches should be done after. This is because dynamic stretches improve performance while static stretches aid in recovery.
However, when you stretch, don’t hold them for too long. If you’re a beginner and don’t know the right way to stretch, you can also take stretching classes that’ll help improve flexibility.
4. Incorporate Strength Training
If you want a strong, flexible body, incorporate some strength training with your dance workout routine. Although dance is enough to make you flexible over time, strength training will improve your muscles to help you keep your dance positions longer.
5. Always Listen to Your Body
This is something you should do no matter what workout routine you have. Listening to your body is necessary because it will prevent you from pushing yourself too hard
Flexibility Workout Classes in NYC
Are you looking for dance or fitness classes in NYC? Don’t worry; Fit Engine has got you covered! We offer reviews about mobility workouts, Pilates classes, and dance classes in NYC. For more information, check out our website.
You can also contact us for more information on the fitness classes.
