Watching the celebrities on dancing with the stars leaves little doubt that dancing is wonderful form of exercise. Not only do some of them lose weight, but virtually all of them seem to be buzzing with energy. Dancing to music as exercise is not a new concept, but interest has shifted away from the aerobics floor and into dancing studios. Step, slide and high impact aerobics are making way for ballroom, belly, funk, pole, swing, salsa or tap dancing.
The level of benefit you can obtain from dancing, like any other physical activity, will depend upon the duration, intensity and frequency. To benefit your heart and burn fat, you need to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on most days of the week. Dancing classes last more than 30 minutes, but not everyone would dance on most days of the week. However, dancing could certainly be a good addition to a weekly exercise routine that includes other types of cardiovascular exercise, such as fast walking, cycling or slow jogging. While the intensity will vary considerably between dancing styles, it will certainly elevate your heart rate and help burn fat.
Other potential benefits from dancing include improved balance and muscle tone. As a weight bearing activity, each dancing step can also strengthen the bones in your legs and hips and help to prevent osteoporosis. Like most activities, dancing has distinctive skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, with easy-to-learn steps, or complex choreography. Start gradually, and your dancing, self-confidence and fitness will grow as you begin to master a new skill. Not only is it social and fun, but you are likely to clock up several kilometres in a single session of dancing.
Do you think dancing can help get you fit? What dancing styles do you enjoy, or think are the most effective?