We as a world are more aware than ever of the importance of
physical fitness to our overall health. While we remain aware of the need for
physical activity far too many of us find far too few reasons to incorporate
physical activity into our daily lives and routines. There are many reasons
that we procrastinate in this particular effort. For some time is the defining
factor while others will readily admit that they have no appreciation
whatsoever for those activities that come to mind when exercise is considered.
Whatever your reason for not incorporating exercise and
physical activity into your daily routine, have you considered dancing for your
health? There are all kinds of brilliant reasons to dance though I can think of
very few that would be better than dancing for the sake of your health and
physical well being. The good news when it comes to dancing is that in most
instances it doesn't feel as though you are getting exercise and the burning of
calories doesn't sting nearly as much when you're having fun burning them.
Dancing has evolved a great deal and while the history of
dance is a long and noble history. Even, one might add, a quite manly history
for those men who haven't considered dancing in the past.
Benefits of Dancing
In addition to burning calories, a good thing for dieters
everywhere, dancing also helps strengthen your muscles and bones. It can
provide either a low impact or high impact workout according to your wishes and
the music you select, it can be entertaining and feel like fun rather than a
chore—this means you are more likely to actually do it than many other exercise
programs, and it can help tone all areas of your body rather than focusing on
one particular area as many exercises do.
Dancing also provides an excellent chance to socialize and
meet others if you take classes while in the process helping you gain a better
sense of balance and grace (those like me who have absolutely no sense of grace
could greatly advantage from this alone). Dancing, and the physical activity
alone can help you ward off potential illnesses that are often related with
excess weight and too little physical activity. Even as little as thirty
minutes of dance 4 days a week can bring about profound results when it comes
to your overall health and well being.
More importantly however than any of these benefits of
dancing mentioned above dancing is fun. This means that you will enjoy life a
little, laugh a little, and accidentally work a little physical fitness into
your life without feeling as though you are suffering for the sake of doing so.
So many people get very little physical activity because they do not see
physical activity as fun.
If you are wondering what sort of dance is right for you,
there are many from which to choose. Square dancing is great fun for couples as
are ballroom and swing dancing. Line dancing, contra square dancing, clogging,
and tap dancing can be great fun in larger groups or as a participant in a
class. If you want something a little sexier for your dance efforts you can
always try Salsa dancing, Flamenco dancing, or belly dancing.
If you live in or around a relatively large group of people
it is quite likely that you can find classes or teachers for private lessons
for each of these forms of dance quite easily. You do want to make sure that
anyone you take lessons from knows what they are doing. You can also look in
your local paper for square dancing groups or bars or clubs that offer line
dancing classes on designated nights during the week.
Whether you have been dancing all your life or are a
rank novice when it comes to dancing, this is a great way to bring physical
fitness into your life and improving your health without feeling as though you
are really working for it or experiencing a sense of dread at the very thought.
