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Dancing is an excellent way to keep in shape –and improve your health.[/caption]
While it’s certainly no secret that dancing helps to keep you in excellent shape, you may be surprised to learn that dancing can actually improve your health as well.
Dancing has a huge variety of physical health benefits including: improved condition of the heart and lungs, stronger bones, better coordination, improved flexibility and motor fitness, and so much more!
But of course, before you see any health benefits, you must first get out there and dance! Here are some simple tips to get you dancing your way to better health…
Motivation
One of the biggest problems when it comes to sticking to any sort of routine is lack of motivation. Your drive to continue dancing will play a key role in determining how well you stick with the program, and subsequently, the extent of the health benefits that you will see. Consider taking a dance classes with a friend. This is a great way to keep motivated and on track. Besides -dancing with a friend can add to the health benefits –it can improve your mood, lighten your load, and will add to your social life as well.
Consistency
In order to see health benefits from dancing, you must stick it out. Dancing once won’t lead to long-lasting results, the key with any form of exercise, is consistency. One of the best ways to keep your dance routine consistent is by booking into a dance class or studio. Keeping to a regular routine will help you to reap significant health benefits that dancing has to offer –not to mention you will soon notice a definite improvement in your dance moves! Plus, having a schedule will give you something to look forward to throughout the busy week.
Moderate to Vigorous
It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. Dance is considered a moderate activity -and by participating in at least 30 minutes, you will be able to easily knock an important health goal off your list. Thirty minutes of moderate to vigorous activity, when dancing, doesn’t seem like 30 minutes. You will be surprised at how fast time will go when you’re having fun!
Choose Your Moves
In dance, there are so many different styles to choose from -you’re certain to find something that you like. Here are a few different dance moves that you may not have considered before. These styles of dance are all beneficial for health.
- Zumba
The Zumba is a Spanish inspired dance that involves fast-paced moving, and is an excellent dance routine to improve cardiovascular health. Zumba dancing can also help you to burn up to 250 calories in just 30 minutes! Who says improving your health has to be boring?
- Belly Dancing
Originating in the Middle East, Belly Dancing is fun form of dance, and offers a number of different health benefits. It leads to stronger core muscles, relieves stress in the back, and provides a great work out for the abs and hips. Belly dancing can also help you burn up to 300 calories in one hour, and is a great way to get a flat belly. Fun, and beneficial!
- Bhangra
The Bhangra, a dance that originated from India, is often performed to the beat of drums is currently popular as a fitness routine. This dance routine helps to strengthen the lungs, and can also promote cardiovascular health, helping to prevent heart disease, stroke and hypertension. The Bhangra also involves a lot of leg movement and as a result leaves dancers with strengthened thigh and leg muscles as well as improved bone health.
- Bollywood Dancing
Bollywood style dancing is helpful for those who are looking to improve health and stay in shape. This dance routine is lively, fun, and very expressive. With Bollywood dancing, you will see improved toning of the hips and thighs.
Of course, you don’t have to pick one of the above dance routines to see improvements in your health. These are just a few of the many, many available dance styles for you to choose from. Other popular dance routines include hip-hop, jazz, salsa, ballroom, and more! So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, find a dance studio, and start dancing your way to some of the amazing health benefits that dancing has to offer.
Image: Moyan Brenn
For more information on dance lessons or to get involved with a dance studio in your area visit DanceHub. Discover dance studios, dance instructors, and dance classes near you.
