A Dancers Christmas Gift Guide

It’s getting closer and closer to that day and I am still nowhere nearer to having finished my Christmas shopping for loved ones.

There are currently tonnes of fitness Gift Guides out there for the active female, but what about those dancers who want something a bit more specific? Well fear not, I have the answer to this! If you’re a family member, friend or partner needing some inspiration for your dancer then this guide can help.

 

1.       Life in Motion by Misty Copeland

This book is now one of my personal favourites. It tells the story Misty's struggles to become a professional dancer through family feuds, race and physical prejudice. This book motivates you in all aspects of life, not only dancing. Plus, it’s a cheap pressie!

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Motion-An-Unlikely-Ballerina/dp/1476737983

 

2.       Activity Tracker

There are huge numbers of fitness trackers currently on the market. I personally don’t own one but have been looking into the Misfit Shine and Polar A300.

The Misfit Shine looks sleek and stylish, plus tracks sleep and gently lets you know when it is time to get moving. I would say due to its small design that it would be more suited to dancers.

The A300 by Polar is a HR monitor (with purchase of an additional strap) in addition to tracking daily activity such as steps, distance, calories and sleep. This activity tracker is bulkier than the Misfit Shine, which may be a put-off for dancers, or anyone using it 24/7. However, having owned a Polar HR monitor for 2 years I can confirm they are great, reliable, essential pieces of kit for training.

Both trackers sync to apps available for your phones where you are able to view your progress and interchangeable wristbands

Find more out about them here -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Misfit-Personal-Physical-Activity-Monitor/dp/B00FDWN8RM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1450284292&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=misfit+shine

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-A300-Heart-Activity-Tracker/dp/B00VRYOP8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1450284329&sr=1-1&keywords=a300+polar

 

3.       Coconut oil

You can never go wrong with purchasing food for dancer, or fitness fanatics, or anyone really! Why not spend those last pennies on items such as coconut oil, their favourite protein snack bars or green tea. You could also purchase a pretty glass jar and fill it with goodies such as nuts and seeds. Then personalise it to make the gift even more special!

 

Photo: Pinterest

 

4.       Sweaty Betty Chaines leg warmers

What dancer doesn’t want, or need a new pair of leg warmers for class? My personal favourite are the Sweaty Betty Chaines leg warmers. These leg warmers are so soft that they can be worn straight on the skin, unlike some itchy ones I have owned before where I had to wear tights underneath. Buy them in the dance section online or instore.

http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/accessories/other/grey-chaines-leg-warmer/

 

 

5.       Foam roller

An essential tool for after hours in the studio! Give your muscles their own personal massage each day with this amazing gift by stretching muscle, releasing trigger points, enabling the muscle to return to normal function, meaning continued performance levels.

I always advise my clients to visit TKMAXX to find one for them however you can buy foam rollers from pretty much everywhere now. They range in style, price, size and weight making it so easy to pick up the right one for your loved ones needs!

 

6.       Reeboks Yoga Slouchy Pant

These Hareeem Style pants are perfect for dance class and lazing about the house. The material includes technology to whip sweat away to stay dry and comfortable. I particularly like the dark grey colour of these trousers. Head over to the Reebok website here to grab yourself a pair … http://www.reebok.co.uk/yoga-slouchy-pant/AJ1181.html. Order by the 17^th December to get your bits before Christmas.

 

 

 

7.       Personalised Sweatshirt

In the Summer I purchased an amazing sweatshirt from Rock On Ruby. This online store offers you the option to personalise tops, sweatshirts, vests, shorts and more as well as purchasing already designed. As I am obsessed with bananas I ordered my own BANANA sweatshirt in the style of Beyonce’s KALE shirt. I am completely in love with this top and wear it all the time. The fit is amazing and still so soft inside despite its numerous washes. I am thinking about purchasing another with a different slogan on which I can wear for work.

I would recommend heading online to their store to order something special and unique for your loved one. However be cautious when using your own unique design as they can then sell this on.

 

 

 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


-ellieee x

 

Gym Etiquette

A few months ago I joined a new gym just outside of Newcastle. This gym, along with the usual gym stereotypes, includes one particular couple. This couple often train at the same time as me, so over the months I have been able to watch the efforts - no progress - of the pair. It is becoming a regular sight to see boyfriends training their other half when they have no clue about lifting themselves. The male of the pair in my gym clearly has a little lifting knowledge, however not on the side of correct form and biomechanics. And so, during a squat (performed by the girlfriend) the upwards phase has the poorest knee control I have ever seen. Her knees practically touch! As a sports therapist and S&C coach I wince each time I watch this happen. I am lucky to be aware of correct mechanics for lifts and so able to avoid injury myself. 

But what do I do as a professional? I feel it is my duty to prevent injury, whereas others I have spoken have had the opposite approach. These therapists have said they wouldn't intervene. Instead they would wait until the gym-goer visits them for treatment and recovery from injury. In my own professional opinion this is just not right as I do not wish harm on anyone, nor do I wish to take someone’s money if an injury can be prevented. Surely it is our duty of care to prevent such an injury?

However I am aware that it can be embarrassing for some to be approached in the gym and to then be corrected on technique or given general advice. Therefore it was an idea of mine to catch this girl in the changing room and voice my concern as a professional. I thought perhaps this might be less intimidating and a more friendly approach.

What do you think is this a suitable intervention as a therapist or S&C coach? I don't wish to cause embarrassment, only prevent injury.

What is your view on intervening in the gym? Do you have experience in this area as a professional? I would love to hear your stories and advice!     

- Ellieee x