Monday Workout

Monday Workout is here and I thought I would discuss the benefits of Dancing.

As many of you know dancing is a great cardio workout, thus the benefits of dancing are in many cases the same as doing a cardio workout.  I'm sure many of you have watched Dancing with the Stars over the years and you may have even tried some dance classes at your local gym.

Here are some great benefits to dancing
- helps you meet new people, increasing your social network
- improves muscle strength, endurance and motor function
- improves cardiovascular and pulmonary strength (heart and lungs)
- increases aerobic fitness level
- improves muscle tone
- helps with weight management
- with stronger bones, you have a reduced risk of osteoporosis
- improves coordination and agility
- improves flexibility
- improves balance and body awareness
- improves your confidence
- improves mental function
- improves self esteem
- helps improve your social skills

There are many benefits to dancing as you can see and there are many more.  Some people say they have no rhythm to dance, but if dancing makes you happy, what does it matter if your rhythm is off.  Enjoy yourself.  Dancing is meant to be fun.  There are many styles of dancing out there, all you have to do is find the right one for you.


Most Popular Types of Dance

Ballet : usually performed to classical music, this style focuses on strength, technique and flexibility.
Ballroom dancing : this style involves a number of partner-dancing styles such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango.
Belly dancing : originating in the Middle East, this dance style is a fun way to exercise. It is used to isolate different areas of the body, moving the torso or hips
Hip-hop : performed mostly to hip-hop music, this is an urban style of dancing that can involve breaking, popping, locking and free-styling.
Pole dancing :  involves a sensual style of dancing with a vertical pole, and requires muscle endurance, coordination, and upper- and lower-body strength.
Salsa : involving a mixture of Caribbean, Latin American and African influences, salsa is usually a partner dance and emphasises rhythms and sensuality.
Square-dancing : a type of folk dancing where four couples dance in a square pattern, moving around each other and changing partners.
Tap dancing : focuses on timing and beats. The name originates from the tapping sounds made when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the ground
Line dancing : a popular Country music style of dancing, where a number of people perform the same moves to the music while in a line.

When choosing a dance style, you should ask yourself these questions 
- Do I want to dance to improve my fitness?
- Am I trying to improve my flexibility and coordination?
- Do I prefer fast dancing or slow dancing?
- Do I want to dance with a partner, or on my own?
- Do I want to join a group, or have private lessons?
- Will I enjoy competitions, or do I want to dance just for fun?

By asking these questions you can narrow down the style of dancing that you would most likely excel  in.  If you decide to go to a class, search the internet or you local phone book for numbers to inquire about lessons and classes available for adults.  There are a lot out there.

If you would prefer to stay at home and use a video there are many good programs available.

Belly dancing - try Goddess workout by Dolphina (amazon.com/ca)
Hip-Hop - try hip hop abs or Cize by beach body
Pole dancing - you need to have your own pole and space to move, there are a lot of great videos on you-tube, but its best to take a class to make sure you like it before you invest in a pole.
Salsa - try a Zumba video or class at your local gym
Square dancing and Line dancing are usually done at Country bars, but there are classes out there you just have to find them.


Resources

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/dance_health_benefits?open
http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/health-benefits-of-dance.aspx