Does music get you up and moving? A dance workout like Zumba or belly dancing might be a great way for you to stay active! In fact, in addition to benefits like burning calories, strengthening muscles and conditioning your cardiovascular system, dancing regularly is shown to:
- Lower your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Strengthen bones
- Tone your body
- Improve posture and balance
- Reduce stress
- Increase stamina and flexibility
- Build confidence
- Provide opportunities to meet new people
- Prevent illness like diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, etc.
What else has the research shown? As the AARP expains, "Ballroom dancing at least twice a week made people less likely to develop dementia. Research also has shown that some people with Alzheimer's disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know." But it's not just for older adults. Stanford University conducted a study that showed frequent dancing makes everyone smarter and increases cognitive acuity in all ages. Dancing is even used as a type of therapy for those with Parkinson's disease, ADHD and more.
What type of dance workout should you try? According to eHow, "Ballet works the legs, the toes and the arms. Jazz dance builds muscle tone, speeds up metabolism and is a wonderful form of self-expression. Belly dancing helps with weight loss. Salsa dancing improves strength, and the tango helps with meditation." Zumba is also a common type of dancing that more and more individuals are using to have fun while striving towards health.
Where do you begin? Here are a few basic steps to get you started:
Dance Workout 1: Zumba. If you want to find out more about this Latin-inspired type of dance before paying for classes or buying DVDs, take some time to watch videos on YouTube. Clear a large enough space, put on clothes you can move around in, watch the Zumba demo videos and then practice the steps yourself. Their YouTube channel includes videos with helpful tips and tricks as well, so feel free to watch and learn. Once you've had a chance to try it out at home, you might want to order a few DVDs or video games for more specific instruction. Many local gyms offer Zumba as a class as well, which is a great way for you to meet new people, too!
Dance Workout 2: Belly Dancing. Belly dancing is great for weight loss and tones your entire body. Get started by loosening up your body by rolling your head and shoulders. Then, work your way down to your ribs, sliding them side to side then in a circular motion. After this, roll your belly by pulling in the bottom and top half of your stomach and then releasing. As you practice this motion you'll get faster and look more fluid. Following your belly, start moving your hips by moving them side to side and then around in circles. Get your arms involved by thinking of them like snakes, raising them up slowly - shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers. Remember, belly dancing is about fluid movements and control. The more you practice the better you'll get!
Do you enjoy dance workouts? What is your favorite variety of dance?
Photo Credit: Moyan_Brenn
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