Reigning ‘Dancing With the Stars’ champ Witney Carson has been a part of the hit competition show for 13 years. That’s a lot of blood, sweat, tears — and soreness.
Two mirrorball trophies and hundreds of dance rehearsals later, the reality star is prioritizing recovery to keep her body in top shape. She swears by contrast therapy, a hybrid of sauna and cold plunging, as well as a combination of massage tools to alleviate aching muscles.
Carson — who recently appeared as a guest judge on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro — spilled to us her go-to products that relieve stress on her body. (Even if you’re not a dancer, our muscles could all use a little TLC…)
“I always do a foam roller and a Theragun to keep everything very much limber, and it helps with injuries as well,” Carson said.
This handheld device from TheraGun features three distinct speeds and attachments according to the area of the body you want to target. Use the standard ball for general muscle activation, the dampener for more sensitive areas or the thumb on the lower back.
It also operates quietly, so don’t be afraid to use it while out and about.
Carson rehearses for hours on end during the 11-week competition, and a foam roller comes in clutch.
This one gently massages your muscles, reduces soreness and speeds up recovery (after all, the turnaround time between dances is only one week).
“I actually love hypochlorous spray for sweat, so you can clear all that acne and all that bacteria,” Carson explained.
This derm-approved product reduces redness and prevents breakouts. Per Banner Health, hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by the body as an immune response to fight against bacteria. By applying it to your complexion, acne-causing microbes are kept at bay.
“I love a good ice bath and sauna, those are my two absolute favorites,” Carson gushed.
This mini sauna pod features red light therapy to reduce signs of aging, calm inflammation and boost cellular health. It also connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth so that you can listen to music as you sweat.
Carson isn’t afraid to get chilly. This cold plunge goes down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit — and boosts your overall well-being in the process.
According to Mayo Clinic, a dip in the cold can reduce inflammation, improve mood and repair your body so that it’s ready for optimal performance the next day.
How to watch Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro
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DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching TV live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes all of the local news and sports networks as part of its 125+ channels.
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