Dance, Workout, Get Fit!

Posted on December 11, 2009 by admin


Among the trendiest approaches to burn fat and strengthen the body is dance aerobics. Aerobic dancing that ranges from Latin to hip hop, jazz to belly dancing, and modern to funk has continued to evolve as men and women search for alternatives to conventional aerobic exercise.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing is considered excellent aerobic exercise. If you dance regularly for about 20-30 minutes each session, three to four times a week, you are actually working out. Just looking at the ballroom dancers, you can notice that they have toned bodies. Another interesting example—the contestants on "Dancing with the Stars". Each season, the stars that last till the later rounds invariably report losing 20 or 30 pounds. This is all because of practicing their moves and at the same time dancing. In addition, if your partner loves to dance too, this is a great way to spend time together.

Belly Dancing

Belly dancing and fitness have been synonymous with one another since the birth and continuation of belly dancing traditions in the western worlds. Belly dancing is not only an extremely old and fascinating art form but it is also a fantastic way to get exercise, as it is comparable to low-impact aerobics. If you have ever seen a belly dancing show you are probably asking yourself how belly dancing and fitness can go together since the movements are so deliberately slow it might seem to the untrained eye that isn't a lot of effort involved in belly dancing. But after your first session with a good instructor, you will discover muscles you haven't used in years.

Salsa Dancing

Lazy people, folks with no rhythm, men and women afflicted with both: your excuses are gone. There are now several good Salsa Workout DVDs available, so there is no reason why you can't take up a new hobby and get in your thirty minutes of exercise three times a week.

A good salsa workout should be simple to follow. You should start off with a the basic Salsa step, learn a half dozen other moves or so then you're ready for the first dance routine.

Hip Hop

Old School Hip Hop meets gym class funk:
This fusion of hip hop and basic exercise moves creates a fitness fantasy; where having fun is paramount and fat-burning is an inevitable fabulous by-product.

With Hip Hop workouts, the fun is in playing with the latest hip hop styles and as enjoyment peaks, the aerobic and strengthening workout kicks in.

Benefits of Dance Workouts

Within Three Months—Doing Two Sessions Per Week:

  • Toning and shaping
  • Weight Loss if nutritional advice is followed
  • A dynamic outlook
  • More confidence on the dance floor

More on Dancing for Fitness

Posted in Contemporary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tips on Moving More

Posted on January 26, 2010 by admin


Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking) on most days of the week. It is not as hard as you may think, and you do not have to do the whole 30 minutes at one time. Try these tips to get past things that keep you from being active.

“I don’t have time for physical activity.”
You can “sneak” it into your day, a few minutes at a time. Get started by making these small changes in your daily routine:

  • Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk the rest of the way (be sure the area is safe).
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator (be sure the stairs are well lit).
  • You do not have to do your entire workout in one block of time. Break it up—taking three 10-minute walks during your day may be easier than taking one 30-minute walk.
  • Walk and talk with a friend at lunch.
  • Put more energy into housework and yard work
  • Make regular appointments for your workouts and keep them as you would a hair or nail appointment.
  • Be active while doing other things. For example, lift weights or march in place while watching TV. Try walking around your home while talking on a cordless telephone.

“I’m going to ruin my hairstyle.”
If you avoid physical activity because you do not want to ruin your hairstyle, try:

  • a natural hairstyle
  • a style that can be wrapped or pulled back
  • a short haircut
  • braids, twists, or locs

Tip: Day-to-day activities can cause salt buildup in your hair. To remove salt, shampoo with a mild, pH-balanced product at least once a week.

“It’s too expensive.”
There are lots of ways to be physically active that are free or low-cost. You can:

  • Find a local park or school track where you can walk or run.
  • Walk around a mall.
  • Work out with videos in your home—you can find workout videos at bookstores or your local library.
  • Join a recreation center or fitness center at work or near your home.
  • Walk your dog. If you do not have a dog, pretend that you do.

Tip: Most people do not need to see their health care provider before getting physically active. If you have chronic health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or obesity, talk to your health care provider before starting a vigorous physical activity program. You do not need to talk to your provider before you start a less strenuous activity like walking.

“It’s too expensive.”
It can be fun! Try to:

  • Do things you enjoy, like walking, dancing, swimming, or playing sports.
  • Walk or take an exercise class with a friend or a group. This way, you can cheer each other on, have company, and feel safer when you are outdoors.
  • Be active with your kids—ride bikes, jump doubledutch, toss a softball, play tag, or do jumping jacks. Physical activity is good for them too.
  • Use your daily workouts as time-outs just for yourself.

For information ways to get moving read the following:

  • Dance Dance Revolution


  • Dance With Julianne Hough


  • The Samba Reggae Workout


  • Hip Hop Abs Package


    • More on Dancing for Fitness

    Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment