There are so many dance shows on television now. Some celebrities have reported in interviews that they participate in order to lose weight and be healthy. We watch them through each season get fit and toned while they compete on the dance floor. While their dance schedules may seem a bit too rigorous for most of us, it is actually fairly easy to add some dancing like the stars action into our own lives.
Dancing is good fun
Dancing is so much fun that most of us who love to do it hardly consider it “real” fitness movement. But it is that wonderful element of fun that keeps us wanting to move our bodies. And consistent, long term movement gives us better overall health. If you enjoy doing it, you will do it more often. It is just that simple.
Treadmills and spinning bikes are great ways to move our bodies, but our bodies get used to the movement. We plateau and then we do not see many additional results. It is important to change up our movement activities and move our muscles in different ways. Dancing is a great way to switch up our movement experiences. Different types of dances can work out different set of muscles.
Dancing is good for a body
Dancing is amazing because it addresses several health check points. Dance can be aerobic, which is healthy for the heart. If we dance a little faster, we can burn just as many calories as if we were walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. So we can also use it for weight loss.
Depending on the type of dancing we are doing, it can also help us tone our bodies. A toned body means you can move and breathe more easily. Dancing stretches our muscles and can reduce overall back and body pain. And anytime we invest energy into movement, we get more energy in return.
Dancing is good for a brain
Because music is involved in dancing, our entire brain lights up. Music does that for us. Dancing also stimulates our minds. It can be easy to zone out on the jogging track or treadmill, but when we are dancing we are paying attention to our steps and fully absorbing the music as we move. Bringing our awareness to our bodies, we are not so easily bored.
Dancing can keep us mentally sharp. Dancing increases blood flow to our brains. A twenty year study of senior citizens, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that frequent dancing offered the greatest protection against dementia. That is a huge 76% reduction in risk in comparison to other physical activities like golf. When we choose more formal dances, we memorize steps and work in sync with a partner which also provides a mental challenge to keep our minds active.
Dancing is good for a spirit
If we are looking to improve our overall health and fitness levels, there are a wide variety of dance styles to choose from. From belly dance to hip hop. Square dance, ballet, line dancing, ballroom, salsa and swing are a few of our options. There are many types of dancing that help give us a fun aerobic experience. There can also be a social aspect of dance when we take dance classes. In this way, dancing can help to reduce depression and loneliness.
We can add a little celebrity glamour to our lives through dance. Check local dance schools and fitness centers to see what types of dance classes they offer. Many places accept singles, so we do not even need a partner to sign up. There are also dance clubs, like clogging, square dance and line dance to check into. Many fitness centers now have drop-in classes, which gives new dancers the opportunity to try out a dance class before signing up.
And please do not forget that you can always turn on some music and turn up the volume in your own living room. You can teach yourself new dance steps. There are many instructional dance books and dvds. You can add friends and family and make it a fun family fitness night. Put on your dance shoes, your favorite music, light up that disco ball and dance like the stars.
Written by Dyan Diamond
Dyan Diamond is an inspirationalist, author and life coach. Dyan has a wealth of experience and education in psychology, advocacy, and in the helping field. Dyan is an intensely creative spirit. Her focus is on empowering others to accept themselves, love themselves, and to live their dreams.
You can find Dyan’s books and blogs at: http://dyandiamond.net
