Can you dance your way to fitness?

One benefit of dancing is increased strength. When you dance you repeat movement over and over again, working the same muscle groups, this repetitive movement will strengthen these muscles. Another benefit is increased flexibility. The amount of increased flexibility will depend on the type of dancing, how most types of dance will add to flexibility. Yet another great benefit is a cardio workout, moving will increase your heart-rate and blood flow, not only aiding in cardiovascular health, but also burning fat. Lastly, dancing can create better coordination. Dance moves teach different muscle groups to work together, ones we don't always use in everyday activity, this will lead to increased coordination.

Dancing and Muscle Fitness

The muscle groups or areas of the body that dancing targets depends on the dance style. For example, Irish dancing will give you a lot of leg work, African dance will give you a lot of spine work depending on the form of dance, and in ballet you get a total body workout. All dance types work you mentally, because while your body is moving you are working to remember the choreography.

It does "Really Work"

Dancing does "really work". Dancing, will burns calories, boosts your energy, improve your circulation, and tone your muscle; which in trun leads to increased strength, endurance and flexibility. However, like with any workout, you need to mix it up or your body will fall into a lull and you will decrease the amount of calories you are burning while working out. Try adding some weight lifting, another form of cardio like biking or walking, or perhaps just doing several different forms of dance.

Dancing can be a lot more fun than serious workouts and can lift your mood, releasing serotonin, which helps with weight-loss. Dancing relieves tension and stress, improves your mood and serves as an outlet for your creativity. Whether you jam to hip-hop, reggae beats or glide across the room in step with the Electric Slide, you're getting the job done. If you're moving to the music, you're practicing good health and fitness.

Finding the Right Dance Teacher
Type to find a teacher who comes recommended, either from a friends or a reliable source. If you workout at a gym where classes are offered ask members of the class (after they are finished) what the class was like and what the teacher was like. If you are going to take a dance class just for fun, you might not want to go to a teacher who is going to crack a whip on you or yell at you if you miss a turn. Also look for a teacher who is clear with their movements and who can explain something well. It is wonderful to find someone who inspires you right from the start. A good teacher also gives incredible individual corrections and can help a student change what they are doing wrong. If you attend class a few time sna find you don't like it, perhaps it is not the class and is in fact the teacher, so try another class with a different teacher, don't give up!

Finding the Right Dance Class
Types of classes are almost endless, so for someone just starting out it may be difficult to choose the right class.