3 Simple Ways Adding Dance Can Improve Physical Fitness for Runners

Dance is without a doubt one of the things that makes me happiest. Ballet and dance involves an incredibly amount of each of the components of physical fitness. Cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, agility, coordination and balance.

Improving your own fitness level using dance can and will help enhance your overall performance. I have heard of several marathon runners adding barre to their training schedules and dramatically improve their pace times.

3 Simple Ways Adding Dance Can Improve Physical Fitness for Runners

1. Dance training involves a lot of flexibility and most importantly balance. Most ballet techniques are designed so dancers rise onto the balls of their feet and turn out their legs at the hip. High leg extensions to the side, back and front. Those constant repetition builds strength in the hip, ankle, feet and lower legs all of which need to be strong for runners.
2. Streeeeeeetttchhh-  There’s nothing that has taught me more about my body than stretching. Dance builds strength in joints and that strength allows them to become flexible. Relieving stress on joints and ligaments is a must since running is often very high impact.
3. Barre and ballet is virtually no impact and yet it leaves your legs feeling like they got the ultimate workout just like running. You can build killer strength and power this way which will without a doubt give you a boost while running!

I have to say the best thing about dance, ballet, barre whatever you may choose to do is that you have fun. You feel your body with every movement and really get to know your power and strength. Personally dancing makes me just as happy as running and it has made me a better runner!