Detraining: What "Doing Nothing" Does to You

I’ve been on break from dancing with Jennifer Muller/The Works for a month, and have not taken many classes during my vacation (gasp!). For dancers who suddenly stop training, their bodies actually lose fitness. Termed detraining, this process diminishes aerobic conditioning and muscle tone over time. Instead of being a total couch potato, exercising at least once a week can maintain your fitness level during short breaks. But adequate rest helps repair and strengthen your body, so don’t feel bad for cutting back on physical activity every so often. Just don’t do nothing!

-Jen Thompson