weight loss cardiff answers:

You can lose the unwanted 50 lbs. Or so, it’s just a matter of finding the right combination of diet and exercise that you can live with every day and stay motivated.

There are many good weight loss programs out there. You just need to find the one that fits in with your lifestyle and motivation. Some are designed for rapid weight loss and others employ a slower long term approach. You can find a lot of help on the web these days, information and support forums. I listed some popular sources that might help you.

weight loss cardiff answers:

Your not unhealthy just lean and skinny
I think skinny guys look waaaaaay better than fat ones an plus who wants to have meat hanging off of them

weight loss cardiff answers:

Out of luck, absolutely not!

In terms of the body, don’t worry about getting thin. Body type has nothing to do with talent, it’s just a stereotype that gets you hired as a classical ballet dancer. I’ve seen 180 lb women with amazing talent, and I’ve seen 90 lb women that look like a grasshopper on stage. Also, that ‘slinky’ body is genetic, you can’t work out to get it. If you’re ‘sturdy boned’ then you always will be. At your age and at your ability you don’t want to have the bones of a little bird, nor do you want that facility. You want your body to be a sturdy and solid instrument on which you can rely. Overly flexible usually means weak, and weak means dangerous. You want a balance of strength and flexibility, as one is useless without the other.

To get in shape for dance I strongly recommend you sign up for yoga and pilates classes, especially in the ‘off season’. They’ll give you the long and lean muscles that dancers seek and use, and they’ll greatly improve your balance and flexibility (plus they’re nice and relaxing!). Running and lifting weights are useless for dancers. If you want good cardio, take up swimming. No impact on the joints and it burns huge calories. Skipping rope (professional boxer style, not double dutch) is a good way to get cardio, too, just make sure you’re in good shoes and using your knees properly.

The tendon may be fixable. If you haven’t been to physiotherapy then you need to go, even if it’s only for one or two sessions. They’ll teach you valuable at-home exercises. For the inflammation, remember RICE. Rest, ice, compression, elevation. Alternate between hot and cold compresses to reduce the swelling. Ibuprofen may help (Tylenol is NOT an anti-inflammatory). A proper support may be what you need. Get fit for a brace if your doctor deems it necessary. You’ll thank yourself when you’re 80. You may want to ask about special insoles for daily wear. It really depends on your injury.

Dance SHOULDN’T hurt if you’re doing it properly, so don’t convince yourself that beauty is pain and all that. If something hurts then that is your body’s way of saying SLOW DOWN, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG! Listen to your body talking. Some things will be uncomfortable, and you may be sore after classes, but you should never be in agony. If you take care of your body it will return the favor.

You’re certainly not too old to physically partake in dance. Some professionals dance until 40 (and are asked to retire for being ‘old’), and continue teaching well after that. My mother is far too old for the stage, but at 56 she still has the grace she had at 22 (and the skinny legs, which I envy). As long as you are physically in shape, age truly is ‘just a number’. Even my 80 year old grandmother still has that dancer poise (underneath the Parkinsons, mind you). You can spot dancers from a mile away, even when they’re ”old”.

I’ve had an 80 year old woman in one of my beginner classes, and she was awesome! I’ve also seen a man close to 90 move in ways I could only imagine (he’d studied yoga his entire life). Your mind creates these limitations, and with concentration you can free yourself from them. Set realistic goals, but don’t let the idea of ‘being over 40’ stop you from dancing to your very best potential. Baby steps, and stop when it hurts.

For now, sign up for yoga and pilates. Then, look for dance studios in your area (Mintchip had great suggestions). Sign up for beginner level adult classes once or twice a week. Go from there 🙂

Best of luck, I hope you discover a new passion.

(Also, you’ll probably learn basic technique for the first few years, don’t expect to see many jumps).