Whether you feel like exercising in the privacy of your own home or at your local YMCA, dancing is a great way to get your body moving! A person weighing 150 lb. can burn approximately 200 calories in 30 minutes with light dancing, such as ballroom dancing. More intense dancing, such as ballet, can burn upwards of 275 calories per 30 minutes of activity.
Fitness experts say that dancing is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Experts also say that certain dancing styles offer different benefits. For example, if you are looking to improve muscle tone in your legs and stomach, ballet or reggae dancing should be your choice. If you are looking to improve cardiovascular fitness, tap, jazz, and African dance would be the best for you.
The wonderful part about dancing is that you do not have to follow a certain style (ie: ballet, tap, jazz) to get the health benefits. You can just pop in a cd, play the music of your choice and start boogying in your living room! If you have young children, get the whole family involved by having a dance competition. Have the children pick out their favorite song and let them create their own moves.
Want to try something new with just your spouse? How about enrolling in a ballroom dance class? It may take a while to convince your partner that it will be fun, but once the class begins, it will be a guaranteed good time! Check with your local park and recreation services to find where classes might be offered near you.
Like with any type of exercise, it is recommended that you consult with your physician before to starting a new exercise.
Adapted from: Dancing Your Way to Fitness, Ebony, Dec, 1998