you could be dancing

by Susie Buck

Have you considered ballroom dancing for your fitness routine? Maybe you should. Here’s the latest information on the sport. That’s right...sport!

MISCONCEPTION #1 - only “wimps” do ballroom dancing. Think again, because ballroom dancing has really taken on a new look and a new name to match. Ballroom dancing is now considered an official sport, Dancesport. This is the official name given to the sport of competitive ballroom dancing as recognized by the International Olympic Committee. So today more people are looking at dance as a form of good exercise. Hey, if Evander Holy- field can give it a try, so can you!

MISCONCEPTION #2 – Ballroom dancing is only something my parents and grandparents did. It is “stuffy.” The fact is, people of all ages are discovering the fun and beauty of ballroom dancing. Actually, some of these young kids training today are spinning and turning so quickly, you would think their cool toe rings would go flying off.

HEALTH BENEFITS – Ballroom dancing is beneficial in strengthening your muscles due to the natural movements of the dance. It improves your posture and balance, and gives your cardiovascular system a great aerobic workout. This is extremely important to a longer, better quality of life. Who doesn’t want to look better and live longer?

SOCIAL BENEFITS – In addition to exercising, there are “perks” to dancing, such as meeting new people and improving your confidence and self-esteem. Dancing can make you a more fun and enjoyable person. We have all heard those great stories about people meeting and falling in love on the dance floor. Well, it really does happen. As I write this, I learned that two of our students, both 50ish, who met in our studio a year ago just got engaged!

NUTS AND BOLTS – For the health conscious, dancing can be a fun solution to your exercise dilemma. You can get that needed workout and have a lot of fun at the same time. Here’s how dancing rates calorie-wise for a steady hour of dancing (a partner does not double the calorie burning rate unless they are a very bad dancer!).

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF HEALTH – It’s a proven fact that keeping in shape increases your life span and makes you look and feel better. Guys, what better motivation to get off the couch than to think you could be dancing with a beautiful woman in your arms tonight! And ladies, stop dreaming about wanting to dance and get going now! Start living… start dancing!

(Before engaging in any exercise program, always check with your doctor first.)