Dancing is a great way to tone the body, burn calories and de-stress! So pop in a CD, or sign up for a class, and sway and shimmy your way to fun.
Dancing burns calories, tones the body and boosts energy levels. It relieves stress and tension, rekindles romances and sparks intense emotions in the person dancing.
Dancing is an exercise that can be done anywhere and anytime, with no equipment, no partners required and no special clothing or workout gear to purchase. It doesn’t matter if salsa, hip hop or ballroom dancing is your style. If you are moving, you are automatically practicing fitness. What makes dancing a good choice is that it’s affordable and convenient.
What’s out there? If you are ready to take the next step, and move from dancing in the privacy of your home, to dancing in public, consider signing up at a local recreational center. Most gyms or centers like the YMCA offer dance classes at various levels. Most communities also have dance centers which teach a more formal dance style - ballet, Bollywood, ballroom dancing like the tango and waltz, jazz, or bellydancing.
If you want to approach dancing as you would a fitness session, most gyms nowadays offer a variety of options. Which one is for you? To choose a dance which works for you, think of the end results you wish to achieve. Perhaps it’s Latin music which makes you feel alive. If so, consider salsa or Latin dancing. Maybe R&B rocks your soul? Or classical dancing like ballet or ballroom dancing makes you feel elegant and beautiful. If you enjoy Broadway musicals, perhaps it’s time to sign up for a lesson in the can-can. Whatever you enjoy most is what you should elect to do. This way, you are assured of going in for a lesson, practicing what you have learned and just having fun.
What’s next? Once you have decided on a dance form and level, visit your local gym or dance center, or attend a performance by the school. Ask if you can sit in for one of their sessions to get a feel of what it would be like to dance with them. Some centers offer trial dance classes; if so, signing up for one of them would be a perfect way to experience first hand the teaching style of the instructor and the lessons themselves. Whatever you elect to do, rest assured you will have fun. So kick off those running shoes and get ready to boogie your way to fitness.
