Physical Conditioning for Dancing

ChaChaMama

ChaChaMama

Well-Known Member
What exercise do you do other than dancing, if any, to stay in shape for your dancing? Do you do cardio, weight lifting, toning/firming, yoga?

Do you do these exercises specifically because you dance, or do you think you would have exactly the same fitness regime if you weren't a dancer?

:) Becky
 
I used to weightlift and do aerobics (cycle, stationary bike, elliptical, treadmill). I have cut back but my 2005 year resolution is to get back into a regular routine onec again. Just a matter of better time management, I think.
 
I have been doing cardio/weight classes for the past several weeks and I think, endurance-wise, it has been a tremendous help. I had probably been concentrating on lifting too much. I want to be toned, not bulky looking. I bought a step and the Firm DVD's, so I can do it at home when I can't make it to the gym.

My husband bought himself a rather large home gym for Christmas. Ironically, it cost the same amount as my Chrisanne dress, so I'm breathing a little easier!
 
I am exceptionally lazy. I do absolutely nothing to get into shape, but can dance for 3-4 hours straight without breaking a sweat. I guess I'm just a freak!! :shock:

I used to do the gym thing but gave it up because it was boring me. I occasionally use some wrist and ankle weights while I'm doing housework and will be seen doing pushups or crunches once every blue moon. If I'm working on something specifically for dancing I'll do some exercises, but they usually only last a couple of days and I'll just stop doing them. Sheer laziness!!

Maybe this is something I should work on for the new year??? :lol:
 
I do yoga 2-3 times per week. I find that this helps with flexibility and extension... Ironically, I was doing yoga before I danced. I think that this is one of the reasons that dancing comes easily to me, as yoga can be put into patterns similar to dance choreography.
I used to do Pilates as well, but have recently not had the time. Pilates helps to develop your core muscles (abs, sides, back), which give you more control over your movements. I would definately recommend it! :wink:
 
I have cardio training once a week, weight training twice a week, and I also take regular classes in streching, ballet and pilates.
I have always had cardio and weight training, so I wouldn't say that I have those b/c of dancing. But to take classes in pilates, and ballet is definetly something I wouldn't be doing if I am not a ballroom dancer.
 
I mostly jog on a treadmill, and I have just started doing crunches again. I probably would do some of this even if I didn't dance, but I definitely do more because I dance, as keeping my weight in check is more of a priority when there are a couple comps and a showcase on the horizon.

I need to get serious about the crunches, or try out Pilates. I would like to work on my core strength. I had a baby two years ago, and though I currently weigh less than I did pre-baby (and am very happy about that!), I don't think my abs have returned to their pre-baby state. Firming up those lower abs needs to be my next fitness goal.

:) Becky
 
physical conditioning..?.. hmm.. is that like different from air conditioning?.. not sure ..err.. well .. i gues other than that i wiggle my toes for 5 minutes every day! :P
 
For physical conditioning, I take ballet three times a week. My new regimen for this year will be to double that to six times per week. The ballet master suspended classes for the holidays, and classes take up again on Wednesday. HOORAY!!

No, I would not be taking ballet if I hadn't started tango dancing. I never would have thought it was something I could do. I had always thought that since I didn't start ballet at the age of 7, it was too late. I am SO GLAD I turned out to be wrong. Ballet has turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done for my body. The ballet master has complimented me several times that what I've done with my body in the past year in his class is nothing short of remarkable. Pretty good for a gal who could barely get C's in PE.

My best friend also takes ballet (I'm the one who seduced her into the demi-monde of tango), and she's also a pilates instructor. My tango teacher works out with weights and on a treadmill everyday, does tai chi, and gives himself a ballet barre periodically. That's on top of teaching 5 hours of privates per day, three tango classes per week, and performing 2-3 weekends per month. Tonight's his 72nd birthday, and he disgusts me he's in such great physical condition. Better than a lot of men I know half his age.

Speaking of conditioning, my teacher found this fabulous book, "Conditioning for Dance," by Eric Franklin. He and I have been slowly working our way through the exercises chapter by chapter (it takes a while to incorporate each technique into my dancing). It's been fantastic. I highly recommend it.

Renee
 
I run (jog?) 3 days per week for about 30 minutes at a time, plus a 5 minute warm up and a 5 minute cool down. I do Pilates 3 days per week for half an hour. I do some free weights (just at home with 8 lb dumbells) 3 days per week for about 10 minutes. All of these things are done to help improve my physical condition for dancing.

I also go horseback riding about 3 days per week (not every week -- depends on the weather) but I would do that whether or not I danced. :)

And then I dance! Which right now I'm doing about 16 hours/week.
 
I run five days a week (outside, on the hottest summer days to the coldest winter ones - it might be a challenge sometimes, like tonight when there is new snow). I have been doing this for 15 years or so. I really think it helps my stamina and I know it helps my weight!
 
I try to stretch on a daily basis as well as do various exercises like crunches, jumping jacks etc. I'm actually kind of doing an experiment right now to see what impact my new dance practice schedule has. It hurts enough that im pretty sure its going to start toning my muscles up. :wink:
 
I do strength training at gym 3/wk. I love the weights, love seeing (and feeling) myself getting stronger again. Would like to do more cardio - just keep not making it happen. Have a fitball and do stretches, mostly daily in an unstructured routine. Working on my abductors and adductors to assist tango leg movement. Have a couple of chronic medical conditions and until recently homeschooled a very challenging 15 yr old son and work fulltime, so am pleased i have stuck to my gym (and dance) committment. Dance rueda, salsa/cha/rhumba/mering, tango all at least once a week.
 
i lift weights and do cardio workouts at the gym 4-5 days a week (down from 6 days/week 6 months ago, sadly.)

i would very much like to work some pilates into my life, but with dancing nearly every day and working out nearly ever day, it's hard to imagine where i will find the time.

it's my fantasy to take ballet classes, but as someone who never danced at all until their early 30s, i will admit i am intimidated by it.
 
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