5 Reasons Why Dancing Is Great Exercise: 142 Shares

5 Reasons Why Dancing is Great
Exercise
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Natalie Clive — November 13, 2011

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Are you the type of person that hates to go to the gym? Does the mere thought of having to run on a
treadmill make you shudder with distaste? Let’s be honest, running on a treadmill isn’t the most
exciting exercise. Watching TV while simultaneously jogging can make the effort somewhat more
endurable. After years of doing the same exercises, your body adjusts to the exercise and it doesn’t
have the same beneficial effects. If you are sick of the same boring exercise routines, you should
consider taking up dance. It’s a sport that both men and women can enjoy and benefit from. Here’s
why:
Aerobic and Anaerobic. Dance is a great form of exercise because it provides you with both
aerobic and anaerobic movements. Our bodies need a combination of both types of exercise in
order to be at their healthiest. In dance, aerobic exercise can be achieved by jumping, swaying,
twirling, etc. Anaerobic exercises include holding squat positions, lifting someone else or your own
body, and balancing. There are endless possibilities when it comes to getting a complete workout
through dance.
Constantly changing. There is an unending supply of dance moves. Thus, it is very difficult to get
bored with creating new dance moves. Once you get the basics down, a whole world of options will
open up to you. You can try formal dance moves, such as the steps of ballroom dances or ballet. If
you are more interested in trying out more modern-style dances, you can expand upon hip-hop or
jazz moves. Dancing is far less boring than jogging on the same old treadmill everyday.
Creative outlet. One thing that dancing can provide that jogging and regular gym exercises can’t is
a creative outlet. You are free to invent new forms, choose your own music, and even put makeup
and costume to your dance routines. Wearing a costume while jogging would illicit some very
strange looks.
Improve flexibility. One thing that jogging doesn’t do is to help your muscles become more flexible.
Dancing, on the other hand, stretches your body in new ways that you’ve never tried before.
Improved flexibility is great for your body’s physical health, because it reduces your chances of injury
in a fall or sprain, and speeds up the time it takes your muscles to heal after a workout.
Music inspires. Surely you have noticed that most people jog with headphones in their ears.
Oftentimes, they have a specific exercise playlist they listen to because the beat of the music helps
them go faster and push themselves. The same can be said for dance, except there are far more
options. With jogging, you have to find music that goes at just the right pace to push your steps. With
dance, music can change from slow to fast to pauses, all in a matter of seconds. It’s your job to keep
up! Your freedom of music choice is nearly endless when you are looking for something to dance to!
Even classical musical can get your arms and legs flowing
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Health benefits of dancing
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide
range of physical and mental benefits including:
 improved condition of your heart and lungs
 increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
 increased aerobic fitness
 improved muscle tone and strength
 weight management
 stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
 better coordination, agility and flexibility
 improved balance and spatial awareness
 increased physical confidence
 improved mental functioning
 improved general and psychological wellbeing
 greater self-confidence and self-esteem
 better social skills.
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Getting started with dancing
You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own. There are lots of different
places where you can enjoy dancing, for example, at dance schools, social venues,
community halls and in your own home. Dancing has become such a popular way to be
active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group
exercise programs.
Dancing can be done both competitively and socially. It can be a great recreational and
sporting choice, because anyone of any age can take part. It doesn’t matter whether it is
cold or raining, as dancing is usually done indoors.
The gear you need for dancing will depend on the style of dancing you choose. For
example, tap dancing will involve buying tap shoes, whereas ballet will need ballet
slippers and ballet clothing. To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy, or would
like to try, look in the Yellow Pages or online for dance schools in your local area and
join a class.
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Types of dance
There are many styles of dance to choose from, each with its own attractions. Popular
styles of dancing include:
 Ballet – mostly performed to classical music, this dance style focuses on
strength, technique and flexibility.
 Ballroom dancing – this 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.
 Hip-hop – performed mostly to hip-hop music, this urban dance style can involve
breaking, popping, locking and freestyling.
 Jazz – a high-energy dance style involving kicks, leaps and turns to the beat of
the music.
 Pole dancing – has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise. It
involves sensual 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
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Choosing a dance style
When choosing a dance style, ask yourself questions such as:

 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?
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General tips for dancing
If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include:

 See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight,
are over 40 years of age or are unfit.
 Wear layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up.
 Do warm-up stretches or activities before you begin a dance session.
 Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing.
 Make sure you rest between dance sessions.
 Don’t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.
 Wear professionally fitted shoes appropriate to your style of dance.
 Check with your dance instructor that you are holding the correct form.
 Sit and watch new dance moves first. Learning new moves increases your risk of
injury, especially if you are already tired.
 Perform regular leg-strengthening exercises.
 Move as fluidly and gracefully as you can.
 Cool down after a dance session, including stretching.
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Where to get help

 Your local council
 Victorian Square Dancing Association Tel. 1800 643 277
 Dancesport Victoria (ballroom and competitive dancing) Tel. (03) 9467 6565
 Smartplay Tel. (03) 9674 8777
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Things to remember
 Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
 Dancing can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness.
 Dancing is a great way to meet new friends.
 See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight,
are over 40 years of age or are unfit.

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5 Reasons Why Dancing is Great

Natalie Clive — November 13, 2011

Read more at http://www.business2community.com/health-wellness/five-reasons-why-dancing-is-

Health benefits of dancing

Getting started with dancing

When choosing a dance style, ask yourself questions such as:

General tips for dancing

If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include:

Where to get help

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