An engaging and energetic dance routine may help you reach your exercise and diet goals. As you focus on fun rather than food deprivation, you may find yourself enjoying your journey and losing weight as a side benefit. Dancers of all ages and ability levels are welcome to participate, with no equipment or membership required. To get started, talk to a trusted professional about dancing for exercise and weight loss.
Dancing for Fitness
A high-energy dance workout can be more fun than work. In comparison to tedious treadmill routines, dancing is an exciting, challenging, and empowering experience. Because finding the right diet and exercise regimen is imperative for sustained weight loss, those who enjoy dancing may find it to be the ideal adjunct to their weight loss plan.
Dancing Weight Loss Benefits
Dancing for exercise can speed weight loss as you sculpt your body. When routines are fast-paced, they require a lot of movement and energy, which raises your heart rate for a cardiovascular workout. The American Diabetes Association recommends dancing for both exercise and entertainment, citing salsa and similar dances as stimulating ways to burn up to 380 calories per hour.
Whole Body Benefits
Some dance routines require you to flex and twist your core, working the muscles of your abdomen, back, and obliques. Additionally, as you strut your stuff, you activate muscles in your arms and legs, which allows you to burn calories and build muscle simultaneously. Because dance is a weight-bearing activity, it helps improve bone density, coordination, and balance. Regular sessions can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and coronary heart disease, according to ACE Fitness.
Psychological Benefits
Counting calories and trading high-fat treats for low-calorie alternatives can be difficult, even downright depressing at times. Because dancing helps improve your energy levels and lift your mood, dieting becomes less monotonous. Emotional eaters might find it easier to stick to their diets because dance helps lower stress and increase self-esteem.
Check out this 30-minute dancing for exercise video and begin dancing today!
References: American Diabetes: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/connect-with-others/8-ways-to-heat-up-date-night.html; Ace Fitness: http://www.acefitness.org/blog/99/what-are-the-benefits-of-dance-inspired-workouts/