Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had the right idea. If you want to stay fit and have fun while doing so, then dance.
“Recreational dancing is a great form of exercise that never goes out of style and can be used in just about any social setting,” says Matthew Brayshaw, who teaches ballroom and country and Western dancing at Londance Studio in Santa Ana.
In addition to being fun and a great way to meet new friends, dancing has a variety of benefits, including its ability to improve coordination, straighten posture, and even increase self-confidence. “I’ve seen many shy people really come out of their shells after learning how to dance,” says Brayshaw.
Many people now consider dancing a fun way to stay fit, says Kristine Robbin, country and Western dance instructor for the Crazy Horse Steak House and Saloon in Santa Ana. “Dancing is especially good for people who have a hard time motivating themselves to follow an exercise regimen.”
Dancing can also be a relaxing change of pace. Linda Hagood, a psychotherapist in Orange County, regularly recommends that her patients dance as a way to escape life’s daily pressures. She takes her own advice, ballroom dancing about twice a week.
“I have a 110-mile commute that takes three to four hours each day,” she says. “Dancing is a great form of exercise that helps relieve stress. As you concentrate on where your feet are supposed to go, you forget about the daily grind. It’s also easy to fit dancing into my hectic schedule.”
Types of Dance for Fitness
There are many types of dancing that can become part of a fitness program. Each offers the opportunity for a particular type of workout:
- Hip-hop: An intense street dance that elevates your heart rate quickly. Christina Sullivan, director of the Jam Crew, suggests taking a funk or hip-hop aerobics class to learn basic moves before hitting the dance floor.
- Country and Western: Includes two-step and line dancing. The two-step gives a full-body workout, while line dancing (like the Tush Push or Electric Slide) mainly targets the lower body.
- Ballroom Dancing: Includes smooth dances like the waltz, tango, and fox-trot. While these may appear mellow, they require great body control and offer a solid workout. Rhythm dances like the mambo and salsa provide an energetic workout.
- Square Dancing: A vigorous workout that’s great for cardiovascular conditioning and recommended by many doctors, especially for heart patients. Square dancing lasts 2-2.5 hours, making it an excellent form of exercise.
- Free-style: If structured dance steps aren’t for you, free-style dancing can be a great way to get an aerobic workout. Just move your body with exaggerated movements to make the most out of it.
Maximizing Your Dance Fitness
To get the most fitness benefits from recreational dancing, here are some tips:
- Watch the clock: Dance for at least 20 minutes at a time to keep your heart rate elevated. Taking brief breaks is okay, but keep your heart rate up to burn fat effectively.
- Be consistent: Dance regularly, at least a couple of times a week, to see fitness improvements.
- Warm up and cool down: Start with slow songs to get your blood flowing and always cool down before resting to prevent muscle strain.
- Drink water: Hydrate with water, especially if you’re sweating a lot. Avoid alcohol, as it dehydrates and depletes energy.
- Dress appropriately: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes with leather soles to aid in turning. Avoid high heels or sandals, which can cause discomfort and lack of support.
Conclusion
Dancing is a fun and effective way to stay fit, relieve stress, and improve overall health. Whether you prefer hip-hop, ballroom, or free-style, there’s a dance style for everyone to enjoy while boosting their fitness levels.
