How to Develop Your Flexibility and Improve Your Dancing
How important is flexibility in professional cheerleading? Answer: Extremely important. I have to stress this out since a lot of passionate candidates are kept off the team because of their low kicks. So yes, a flexible body is key to performing those high kicks. Not just that, it protects you from injuries while you dance and enhances the way you dance overall.
Here are some guidelines that will help you.
Flexibility is developed over time.
Before you start training to improve your flexibility, remember that results happen over time - not overnight. This only means that you should begin as early as possible. You can spend as little as 10-20 minutes a day for flexibility exercises. Focus on your major muscle groups such as your thighs, calves, arms, shoulders, and back.
Stretch SAFELY.
In developing your flexibility, safety is of utmost importance. Before you stretch, do a warmup. As you hold a stretch, don’t bounce your body. Also, don’t attempt to jump into difficult stretches in an attempt to get early results. Lastly, stretch only up to the point of mild discomfort.
Don’t forget to breathe properly.
A lot of people make the mistake of breathing shallowly. This adds to the tension and discomfort of working out. During a flexibility exercise, breathe deeply and relax your shoulders. Breathing properly allows your muscles to receive ample oxygen. Also, this increases your ability to relax and focus on the exercise.
Stretch with a buddy.
While you can improve your flexibility alone, sometimes you need an exercise partner. An exercise partner helps you achieve a greater range of motion. A friend or family member will do. A fitness instructor or physical therapist if you want professional help! (Related: Stretching: Better with a Buddy)
Hydrate your body!
Like a car, your muscles need fluid in order to work. As with all types of exercises, keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration results in a decreased range of motion and therefore hinders flexibility. Now you know why you feel stiff after an entire day of not drinking a lot of water.
Join various dance classes.
Having a dance background is essential if you want to make your dream dance team. You are highly encouraged to get dance training as early as possible. There are specific dance types that enhance your flexibility. You might consider the following dances:
- Classical Ballet
- Hybrid Ballet Barre
- Contemporary Dance
- Ballroom Dancing
Final Thoughts
The most important ingredient for developing your flexibility is consistency. It will take months, not days, to see great results. So be sure to have a plan in place that incorporates daily stretches and exercises for that. I hope you learned from today’s post!
Suggested Articles On Fitness:
- Great Benefits to Working out in the Morning
- 7 Ways to Get More Movement and Have Fun
- A Beginner’s Guide to Bodyweight Training
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