In Part 1, we considered the perspectives of two professional therapists who work exclusively with dancers. Now we’ll look at several foot facts that should play into any dancer’s decision to use a foot stretcher — and warnings for those who do. Each Dancer’s Foot Is Unique. Because each dancer and each foot is unique, […]
Health
Foot Health for Dancers: What the Experts Say, Part 1
Like many issues, that of foot stretchers conjures a wide spectrum of opinions. However, many experts agree that these devices can be used safely by some dancers, as long as caution is exercised. Want a little more detail on the pros and cons of foot stretchers? We’ll summarize a couple expert opinions for you, and […]
Pool Choices and Trends: What You Should Know About Salt-Water Pools
What’s all the buzz about salt-water pools? An increasing number of homeowners are opting for this non-traditional type of pool. Of course, many love that they use salt rather than chlorine to sanitize the water. But before you jump in and make a commitment to having a salt-water pool installed, you want to make sure […]
3 Things You’re (Probably) Paying for That Aren’t as Much Fun as Your Own Pool
Maybe you don’t think you can afford an in-ground swimming pool. Yes, it is a luxury item. But most Americans don’t live at a survival level; for most of us, “being able to afford” something is often simply a matter of which luxury items we choose and how carefully we allocate the money we do […]
Family Pool Time: Water Activities for All Ages
Pools are excellent choices for multi-generational families, allowing those of all ages to experience the many health benefits related to an active lifestyle and outdoor recreation. In fact, an in-ground swimming pool might just offer the most versatile combination of playground, gym, and outdoor living potential per square foot, compared to any other change you […]
Why Sleep Is Important for Young Athletes
Do you know what probably affects young athletes even more than their diet and the quality of their instruction and practice? Sleep. It’s simple, but its significance simply can’t be overstated. And forget about 8 hours: according to the National Sleep Foundation, most children actually require between 9 and 14 hours per 24-hour period, depending […]
4 Ways Young Athletes Can Improve Sleep Quality
For young athletes, sleep is extremely important. We’ve talked about that before. But now we’re going to get really practical and give you four steps that you can apply personally toward healthier sleep. While keeping bed times and wake times regular are certainly part of the equation, they’re definitely not the entire picture. Know Your […]
Gymnastics Instructor Tips: Establishing the Right Atmosphere
If you’re new to teaching children gymnastics, you may be surprised at the skill set you need — in addition to your gymnastics prowess, of course! In addition to offering quality instruction, you’ll need to take steps to retain an atmosphere of order and positive but firm control. Otherwise, your students won’t be able to […]
Gymnastics Instructor Tips: Working with Young Kids
We all know that instructing young children in gymnastics takes more than gymnastics expertise – it also requires patience and some kid-whispering skills! If you’re looking for ways to keep kids calm and orderly enough to receive instruction so they can have fun tumbling, check out these simple but extremely helpful dos and don’ts: Do […]
Can Your Gadgets Hurt Your Hands?
Any repetitive motion, by any part of the body, can make you vulnerable to injury. While we often think of activity-related injuries in terms of sports injuries or physically demanding jobs, our more sedentary lifestyles and technological prowess can yield their own set of potential physical problems. For now, we’ll focus on the ways your […]
