Cross training. Something we all hear, yet don't always get 'round to doing it. A lot of people think that there are specific sports that dancers should take up for their cross training, but to be completely honest, anything that will help you increase strength, balance and flexibility will do just fine.
If you've just started considering cross training activities, here are some suggestions for you:
Yoga:
Yoga is a great cross training activity. It focuses a lot on strength and flexibility, which is idea for dancers. You'll notice that a lot of the stretches are focused around your hamstrings, quads, and back. If you have any injuries or back problems (scoliosis etc.), don't hesitate telling the yoga instructor, so that you can adjust the position, to something that will still benefit you, without harming your body. the key element in yoga is breathing. It's something that should remain constant in your practice, whether you're a beginner or advanced. Beware: Yoga is not as relaxing as everyone thinks it is (!). A lot of the positions and exercises can be quite challenging when you first do them, and you'll definitely be sore after the first few lessons. Yoga is a good time to go deeper into your stretches, without injuring yourself or going too far. If you feel any abnormal pain, take a step back and remember to breathe - and don't be surprised of your yoga instructor comes and adjusts your position to make it more complicated for you - yoga teachers have a love for pushing people further, especially when they see potential.
Swimming:
Swimming is another really good cross training activity you can take up to increase your strength. The resistance of the water strengthens your muscles like no other and is great if you're coming back from an injury. The water removes a lot of the pressure, but still works your muscles a lot. Swimming is a good way to relax - and you can always take your friends with you to have more fun(!)
Pilates:
Pilates is of course another great cross-training sport. Similarly to yoga, it focuses on strengthening and lengthening your muscles. You don't need weights or equipment, which makes it very convenient for all of those (myself included) who don't want to spend money on weights, equipment and gym memberships. You can do this in classes, or follow online classes and do it in the comfort of your own house. Pilates is another one of those sports, where it's important to take it slowly, and pay attention to how your body feels during each exercise - don't go too fast too quickly.
Pilates helps to increase core strength, which helps with turns and the height of your jumps (stability).
Running:
Running is amazing to increase stamina and calf strength - which means higher releves(!)
You don't need to start straight away at a high speed. Start off with power walks and jogs and slowly increase speed and duration.
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