Tag: health & body

Woman massaging her foot.

How to Identify and Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Amber Tacy, a personal trainer and the founder of Dancers Who Lift, an online strength training and nutrition program geared toward dancers, first experienced plantar fasciitis when she was in college. “I remember my feet screaming at 8 in the morning, and I was supposed to go through a 90-minute barre, and then modern and […]

Closeup woman sitting on sofa holds her ankle injury, feeling pain. Health care and medical concept.

How to Deal With Lower Body Swelling

After a dance-packed day, it’s not uncommon for your lower body to be swollen. This phenomenon isn’t anything to worry about, but it can be uncomfortable. Luckily, there are a number of easy fixes—and ways to prevent swelling altogether. Dance Spirit turned to Jessica Lassiter, DPT, OCS, ATC, CMPT, a physical therapist and certified athletic […]

Our Top Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

You know what unfortunately goes hand in hand with the greatest time of year? The dreaded cold and flu season. But, never fear—you can stay ahead of the curve this year by keeping your immune system working smoothly before the sniffles set in. We’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to help you stay […]

5 Sleep Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

You and your phone have more in common than you might guess, says Dr. Rafael Pelayo, pediatrician and clinical professor at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. “If you charge your phone halfway, it works for a few hours,” he explains. “But it’s not performing at its full potential, and you have to […]

The Power of Pumpkin: Dancer Edition

From lattes to jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins and October go hand in hand. But this super squash is way more than just a spooky staircase addition—it’s a performance-boosting powerhouse and a dancer’s best friend. Here are a few ways to reap the health benefits of this fall staple. In Your Food Thinkstock There are lots of delicious—and […]

How Much Protein Do Dancers Actually Need?

You’ve probably heard that protein is essential in a dancer’s diet. But you might not know what protein actually does for your hardworking bod, how much you should be eating, and—gasp!—why it could actually be overrated. We asked Andrea Chernus (a registered dietitian nutritionist who advises Juilliard students and Hamilton cast members) and Nora Minno […]

4 Dancer-Friendly Pilates Mat Exercises

Fitness fads come and go, but one has stood the test of time: Pilates. Dancers swear by this full-body workout as an effective cross-training regimen. The low-impact moves are easy on any nagging injuries and help keep you lean, toned, centered, and flexible. Dance Spirit turned to Youn Kyung Lee, owner of 21 Pilates in […]