Cross Training is actually important…
Cross training is one of those things that I always knew about it and was like yea okay ill get to it. I have always loved yoga and pilates but never really felt I had the time, money, or motivation to make it part of my weekly or daily routine. I knew it was supposed to beneficial and I totally believed it but never really acted too much on it nor reaped the benefits cross training could have had on my dancing, until recently. When the pandemic first hit, I started doing my own version of yoga, pilates, stretch fusion class on my own time. Then when I realized I was not going back to my college dance program I realized that dance classes were not as accessible and open classes seemed to be far from the amount I would be taking at school. I knew I needed to do something to stay in shape, keeping my muscles strong and flexible for not only my return to college but a long career in dance. I jumped into various types of cross training classes just as a bridge to keep me in shape. My goal was to simply maintain but soon did I realize that I could actually improve!
I joined a gym where I had access to the gym floor itself and classes. At first I dipped my toes by just attending yoga, barre and spin classes, all things I was comfortable with. Then I decided to start attending Group Training classes where it was a 60 minute HIIT style workout. Each class was different and I learned how to use several pieces of equipment, lifting weights, TRX and other exercises I had never done before. I was so challenged and I loved trying something new in a class setting. I was losing weight and feeling so strong.. As I became more confident, I was going to the gym on my own. I developed my own cross training schedule where I would train on my own, take Group training classes, and yoga! I have made this type of exercise into my daily routine and I look forward to it every day, especially the feeling after.
I am still dancing, not as much as I once was in college but I have noticed huge improvements in my technique and timing due to the new strength my muscles have. I am jumping so much higher, holding extensions longer, and even turning more (which is huge for me, personally.) Cross Training has improved my dancing immensely and I am so happy I have found the major benefits it can have on dancers.
I think Cross Training is essential for everyone but also going to be different for each dancer, all depending on how much you dance, your goals as a dancer, what types of cross training interest you. Using your body in different ways than just dancing, forces you to strengthen new muscles and old ways in new ways. It helps you identify weakness and strengths within your body. I find that I can focus on my body without worrying about the musicality, the appearance of myself, and all the other details I worry about in dancing when I am simply working out. I have really resonated with weight training and while it is challenging on my body, I like the slow pace and simplicity it entails on my mind. I love yoga for an active rest day, when I am in need of a good stretch, and when I need to focus on my mind and breathing. My advice would be to try different things and give them a chance before you nix them! I also think cross training is important as your dance training develops into something more serious like a college major or career as dance looses that “hobby” status. For me, I enjoy having a ‘hobby’ again as I see my dancing as more of school or a career even though I love every minute of it! I love having a second outlet to invest in myself and while this is improving my career in dance, it feels like an activity that is just for me and to let go of any stress.