Taking Care of Your Body on Latin Dance Days: Sweat, Water, Tired Feet and Next-Day Care
Contents
This page is a reference translation of the Japanese original (日本語の原文). It has not been checked by a native speaker. Please confirm details with each organizer.
The short answer: the basic ideas for a dance day are to drink before and after dancing, not to let sweat chill you, to rest your feet, and to take it easy the next day. What I write here is an example of general self-care. It is not medical advice. What suits you differs with your body and any health conditions.
The writer discovered salsa and bachata in 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I was living for work, and now lives in Sapporo. I am not a doctor, a trainer or a teacher. I put the points to watch in order from the same level as you.
Dealing with sweat
When you dance in pairs, you may sweat more than you expect.
- Bring a towel and a change of clothes. If you stay in sweaty clothes, your body may get cold.
- Adjust with layers. In cold seasons, it can feel very different outside and inside the venue.
- Think of other people. Because you dance in pairs, some people mind sweat or smell. If you do, you can wipe off with a towel or change clothes.
Ideas about clothes and shoes are in Shoes and Clothes for Latin Dancing.
Drinks
It is common to drink before, after and between dances. Rules on bringing drinks and on drink charges differ by venue, so check the notice. Some people like drinks that are not too cold. Another way is to drink a little at a time before you get thirsty.
Tired feet
In dancing, you use your feet and ankles in small, quick ways. While you are not used to it, you may feel tired or tight.
- Review your shoes. Shoes with soles that don’t suit you, or with an unstable heel, can be hard on your feet.
- Take breaks. If you are tired, it is fine to sit and rest.
- Rest your feet after you get home. For example, a lukewarm bath, light loosening of the feet, or resting with your feet slightly raised, within a comfortable range.
The next day
- Move lightly. Walk or stretch, within a comfortable range.
- Get enough sleep.
- Don’t panic about sore muscles. You may feel them while you are not used to it.
- Decide on your next outing by listening to your body. If you go several days in a row, watch your tiredness.
So you don’t push yourself
- On days when you feel unwell, resting is also a choice
- If pain starts, stop on the spot and rest
- If there is a warm-up (time to loosen up), use it to get your body used to moving
- If you get tired, it is fine to go home early
When to see a doctor
In the cases below, do not wait and see with self-care. Please talk to a medical institution.
- Pain continues or gets stronger
- Swelling, heat or numbness
- It gets in the way of daily life
- You have a health condition or a past illness and are not sure whether you should exercise
This site does not give diagnosis, treatment or explanations of effects for any symptoms.
Related articles
- Latin Dancing in Sapporo: How to Start
- Your First Latin Dance Lesson
- How to Keep Up Latin Dance
- Shoes and Clothes for Latin Dancing
FAQ
Should I eat before dancing?
It differs by person. Some people find it hard to move when full or hungry, so it is common to find what feels easy for you. If you have limits because of your body or a health condition, please talk to a medical institution.
If I get sore muscles, should I rest?
For light tightness, some people move within a comfortable range. If the pain is strong or lasts long, rest and talk to a medical institution.
What should I do if my feet hurt?
Rest on the spot and check whether your shoes fit. If the pain continues, talk to a medical institution.
I worry about the smell of sweat.
You can bring a towel and a change of clothes, or wipe off often. Because you dance in pairs, it is more pleasant when both people look out for each other.
