Happy Feet Cool Down

Treat Your Feet Like the Pro Athletes They Are!

I hope you’re taking good care of your feet because they work hard for you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret: I ice my feet for 15 minutes every night after line dancing, whether I taught one class or danced for hours at the Cotton Eyed Joe.

You’ve seen pro athletes in ice baths… well, if you dance with me, you’re a pro athlete too. Line dancers often skip stretching and recovery, but if we want to keep up with those 80 year old line dancers, we need to take care of our feet!

Why should dancers ice?
✔ Reduces soreness and inflammation
✔ Speeds recovery
✔ Helps prevent foot cramps (if I skip it, I regret it in the middle of the night!)

BONUS:  Icing can also reduce stress, boost mood (hello, endorphins!) and build mental toughness.

Try: The Happy Feet Cool-Down 

• Fill a foot bath (or bucket) with cold water. 
• Add ice gradually to keep the water cold (Have 2 cups of ice at the ready).
• Sit comfortably, set a timer for 15 minutes, and relax. (Read a book, or phone a friend)
• Dry feet well — don’t walk right away! You can’t!
• When feet thaw enough to walk, take a hot shower. 
• Apply a moisturizer and slip on some warm socks

Icing is not comfortable, but it works — and it keeps us dancing longer and stronger. Take care of your feet so they can take care of you! 👣💙