Good cardio exercise is important for women of all ages and dance is one of the best forms of cardio workouts, not to mention the fact that it can be incredibly fun. That being said, dancing can be hard on the feet. Because the feet absorb the impact from jumping, spinning, kicking and swaying, it’s vital that you look after your dance fitness feet to not only to keep dancing but to keep exercising too.
During a dance class the feet absorb more force than any other part of our bodies; it is the feet that propel our movements. Therefore it’s important to keep your feet in tip top shape and give them some TLC. Here are some tips on how.
The perfect fit
The perfect shoes for dance fitness not only look good but also fit well too. The right shoe is essential for foot health. Shoes that are too tight can cause toenails to blacken or dig in while shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot can cause bunions, pinched nerve-endings, corns and calluses. Shoes that are too large will just cause the feet to slip around and could cause injury and blisters.
Before you go shopping for dance fitness shoes, seek the help of your dance instructor. You can even ask a podiatrist for advice on the perfect shoes for your feet. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, keep in mind that shoes shrink over time. This is especially true if you have sweaty feet. This won’t happen overnight but expect your feet to expand two sizes as the years go by.
Pay attention to the condition of your shoes
Shoes wear down especially if you use them a lot. The same is true for the pair you use for dancing. Over time your shoes will lose their cushioning ability and provide less support as they wear out. Dancers should pay extra attention to the condition of their shoes and learn how to maintain them. After class, don’t store shoes in direct sunlight or heat as this will shrink the shoes. Don’t throw these inside a cold closet either though as this will make the mid-soles harder and destroy their shock absorbing quality.
If you dance most days of the week, invest in multiple pairs so that you will always have a dry pair. Examine the soles frequently for wear and tear. Shoes should be stored in the house away from heat and cold.
Proper foot care
People have different feet – some have dry feet while others have sweaty feet. Both however need proper care in order to survive dance classes. People with dry feet need to moisturize their feet in order to prevent cracking skin on your heels. Foot creams and lotions will keep skin from getting dry and will also soften the skin. Applying moisturizer will help retain water during your shower. Moisturized skin will also prevent blisters from forming. In fact, using products like petroleum jelly will help reduce friction. Apply some petroleum jelly outside your sock to provide extra protection from blister formation.
Other people have sweaty feet and are prone to fungus. This can cause itchiness, redness, blisters and pain – a condition most commonly referred to as athlete’s foot. The good news is that athlete’s foot can be prevented by changing socks often and by keeping your feet and shoes dry. There are over-the-counter foot antiperspirants that can help you with this problem. Apply liberally on your feet and shoes before dance class and you’re set to go.
Get professional help
Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can help with foot care, ordering or performing physical therapy and prescribing medicine for foot injuries. Aside from podiatrists, seek the help of a good pedicurist. to make your toes beautiful and shape up your toenails so that they don’t get snagged on your sock or interfere with your dancing. Find a good masseur too and treat your toes and feet to a soothing treatment.
Taking care of your feet is essential for good health. During an average lifetime, the feet can walk up to an equivalent of four times around the Earth. Looking after your feet means that you can retain your independence and prevent injuries from happening. Contact us today for more tips on how you can get the most out of dance fitness.
