As an amateur dancer, you probably lack the skills and strength that help your profesional counterparts to avoid injuries. Whether you have started your journey to professionalism, or you are just dancing for fun, you need to be aware of the sources of dance injuries so that you can avoid them. Some of the things that make you prone to dance injuries include these three factors:

Poor Fitness

Although it's good to contact your doctor before starting to dance, being fit here means more than the absence of disease. Your muscles and joints need to be strong enough to withstand all the twisting, turning and physical impact that comes with dancing. This is especially true if you have not been physically active for some time.

Thus, it's advisable to start an exercise regime to strengthen your body, especially if you plan to be dancing for a long time. The type of exercise depends on the type of dance and the part of the body you wish to strengthen; here are some leg-strengthening exercises. Not only that, but you also need to warm up and stretch every time you want to dance.

Fatigue

Dancing when tired isn't advisable for two main reasons. First, it leads to a poor form, which leads to muscle cramps and joint pain. For example, you may find it difficult to maintain a straight back (if that is what your instructor wants) if you are tired. Secondly, fatigue increases your risk of stumbling and falling, which can result in sprains and fractures. Therefore, schedule your dance session to a time when you aren't too tired.

Poor Dancing Surface

Lastly, you should also know that your dancing surface can contribute a lot to your risk of injury. Your hardwood floor may be good enough for showing your friends a move you picked off the internet, but you shouldn't use it for serious dancing.

You need a surface that can absorb the shock of dance movement to protect your back and knees. This is especially necessary if your dance involves lots of jumps. Also, the floor shouldn't be too slippery since that would encourage slipping and falling. This is why it's a good idea to practice in a professional studio since they usually invest in top-notch facilities.

Don't let your love of dancing interfere with your safety precautions. After all, sustaining an injury may limit your participation in further dances, at least temporarily. Don't forget to seek professional medical intervention if you do sustain serious injuries. For more information, contact a center such as St. Luke's Rehabilitation.

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