I thought I would join in on the fun and create a holiday gift guide this year! These are some of my favorite recommendations for the dancer in your life who wants to stay active, boost recovery, and work on their overall wellness.
Who doesn't love a good roll outt on sore muscles off !? This is one of my favorite options because it takes up very little space and is perfect for travel/your dance bag!ravel/your dance bag!avel/your dance bag!vel/your dance bag!el/your dance bag!l/your dance bag!/your dance bag!your dance bag!our dance bag!ur dance bag!r dance bag! dance bag!dance bag!ance bag!re munce bag!nce bag!e bag!e bag! bag! bag!ag!ag!g!
Weight training gear
Staying strong is essential for a dancer! Body weight training is great, but to really kick your strength up a notch, every dancers should have a few key weight training items at home. These can include:
My favorite company to purchase from is Rogue Fitness because of their quality and customer service, but anything will do! Amazon and Target have endless options to choose from.
Suspension trainer
Another option for staying strong at home is a suspension trainer, like the TRX system. This is ideal for taking your body weight exercises to the next level, and is a great way to get in full body workouts.
Monster bands (AKA pull up bands)
Yes, you can totally use these for pull ups if that's a goal you have, but in the clinic we use them for is banded stretches. This is a great way to get more out of your stretches by providing gentle joint mobility at the same time. Not sure what I mean? Check out this blog post!
Turn Out Discs
Turn out discs are a fun and effective way to strengthen your turnout. Remember- turn out is a measure of flexibility AND strength!! Don't worry, I'm working on a post to show you my fav ways to use these ;-)
Foam roller
Who doesn't love a good roll out on sore muscles!? This is one of my favorite options because it takes up very little space and is perfect for travel/your dance bag. Foam rollers don't need to be fancy. Here is another basic option that works just as well!
Compression Socks
Ok, ok. I know no one really wants socks for Christmas, but you can be super cool in these compression socks! Perfect for boosting blood flow and helping with soreness/swelling after long hours in those pointe shoes... especially post Nutcracker performances!
Foot bath
Nothing helps soothes long hours in pointe shoes like a warm (or cold) foot bath and massage. This is a great option to have at home!
Good Reads
You can never go wrong with a good book, and these are some of my favorite for dancers:
- Turning Pointe by Chloe Andyal (this is an AMAZING read)
- Life In Motion by Misty Copeland
- Bunheads by Misty Copeland (for the younger dancers)
- Swan Dive by Georgina Pazcoguin
Portable ballet barre and dance floor
What dancer doesn't want their own at-home studio!? This is the barre and floor that I have in the clinic and it is the perfect size for any space.
NormaTec Compression Boots
If you really want to splurge on recovery (and this is definitely a splurge), check out these boots. I have a pair at the clinic and they are nothing short of amazing!
Massage gun
Another splurge, but the hype is real! This is a portable option that is a little cheaper. Just keep in mind, it is ONE tool to help with recovery, but active exercise will always be king.
EXPERIENCES
Does that dancer in your life not need any more "stuff?" Try gifting an experience instead! Here are a few ideas:
Visit to a Dance Physical Therapist for a movement assessment (If you are local- give me a call!)
Visit to another type of dance specialist, like a nutritionist, psychologist, or chiropractor. For a list of dance specialist in your area, check out Doctors for Dancers.
Gym membership
Pilates or yoga class package
Massage
Gift certificate for a recovery lounge (if you are in Northern VA, RxR3 is my fav!)
Specialized pointe shoe fitting from The Pointe Shop (virtual fittings available)
Happy shopping!!!