UNITED STATES—In these tough economic climes, many of us struggle to afford expensive gym fees and investing in costly home exercise equipment is not an option. So what is the alternative? The answer: something that gets you tremendously fit and lets you have fun at the same time. Dancing is simple, enjoyable, energy pumping, fat burning and, best of all, totally free!
If expensive gym fees are putting you off working out and keeping fit, then it is definitely worth giving dancing a go. Whether you are the next best thing out of the latest celebrity dance troop or you have zero coordination and two left feet, dancing is guaranteed to be a bundle of fun and a great all over body workout.
Get into dance in whatever way suits you best. Invest some time into finding a good dance club or simply choose one of the many excellent dance workout DVDs on the market, allowing you to boogie in your own time and in the comfort of your own home. Simply putting on a cd in the lounge and bopping around on your own or with friends can be most uplifting. Alternatively a night out can incorporate dancing as part of an organized dance club dedicated to specific dance types. The variety is endless—disco, Latin American, hip hop, line and ballroom are just a few of the many types dancing, so you can find the one that suits you best.
High energy dance routines work the whole of the body including the muscles you thought you never had. A dance instructor on either a group or one to one basis will help immensely, showing you the moves that make the best of your body and yet prevent you from injury. Wear flat soft shoes or pumps and loose comfortable clothing to avoid injury and allow you to move freely. Be sure to warm up properly before your dance session too, a 10-minute light jog, skip or cycle will be enough to get the blood flowing.
Dancing is not just known for its physical benefits. It can quite literally put a smile on your face, lifting up your mood and energy levels and leaving you mentally ready for whatever life may throw at you. Endorphin levels are raised leaving that familiar buzz we all know and love when swinging to our favorite tunes on the dance floor. The concentration levels in learning new steps and movements to music keeps the mind young, fresh and alert, improving the connection between brain and body with every step. Furthermore dancing to music has been proven to combat depression, anxiety and mood swings as well as bringing more confidence to your inner self. It leaves us with better poise and body awareness, allowing us to lead better social lives and feel better about ourselves. Dancing should not be limited to the young either, it is widely enjoyed by the older population, allowing them to mix with others of similar interest, and keeping them active, ensuring their joints stay supple and muscles toned.
Under the busy, stressful times of today, the joys of dance have become a much needed solace for many of us. So dance your way to good health! Get jiving and find your inner rhythm for a healthy and fun lifestyle that you, and your friends, can enjoy for many years to come!
