Dancing as a Form of Exercise
How Does It Work?
Prepare to go to the dance floor! Dancing is a great way to get a full-body workout while having fun.
It's beneficial for your heart, strengthens you, and can help you with balance and coordination.
A 30-minute dance class burns about the same amount of calories as jogging.
Register for a class. Your tutor will guide you through a set of coordinated moves. Although the emphasis is on the footwork, the leaps, spins, shimmies, and cha-chas involve the entire body.
There are numerous options available. Our dance-inspired activities, ranging from ballroom and ballet to hip hop and club dance sessions, will keep you entertained for hours.
Level of Intensity: Medium
The level of difficulty varies depending on the sort of dance you choose. Dances that move quickly, such as hip hop and salsa, are more intense than slower dances like tango or waltz. All of these will require you to use your entire body while learning the choreography and form.
Its Targeted Areas
Core: Some of the steps/moves in the dance you choose will engage the core muscles.
Arms: Even though most dances emphasize the lower body, you also use your arms.
Legs: As part of the choreography, you'll be doing routines that target your lower body, such as quads and hamstrings.
Glutes: Glute-activating motions can be found in hip hop and ballet.
Back: Dance works your core muscles, particularly your back muscles.
Type
Yes, there is flexibility. The majority of dance-inspired workouts incorporate stretches to increase flexibility.
Yes, it is aerobic. Dancing causes your heart rate to increase. The higher the tempo of the dance, the better for your heart.
Yes, there is strength. Although you won't be lifting weights, your body weight will count toward muscle strength.
No, it's not a sport. You can compete in dancing, but it can also be entirely social or artistic.
Yes, it has a low impact. Depending on the kind of dance, it can be a high- or low-impact workout.
What Else Should I Be Aware Of?
Cost: Free if you already know-how, or the cost of classes at a studio if you want lessons.
Is it suitable for beginners? Yes. Beginner dance classes are available. Allow yourself time to learn the moves if you're just getting started. It won't happen straight immediately, but it will happen sooner or later!
No, not outside. The majority of dancing classes are held in studios.
Yes, at home. You can dance wherever you choose.
Is there any equipment required? It is debatable. Some classes will require special footwear, while others (such as hip hop).
Ross Brakeville, a physical therapist, says:
Dance may improve your heart health, joint mobility, strength, balance/coordination, and overall sense of well-being depending on the style, making it suitable for almost everyone. If you can't afford courses, try a dance training DVD or watch an internet video from the comfort of your own home.
Take note of how you feel before, during, and after dancing if you have a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Before proceeding, consult your doctor if you're not feeling well or it takes more than a few minutes to return to "normal."
Is it safe for me to do if I have a health problem?
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, dancing is an excellent activity for you.
Dancing more fiercely for a more extended period gives your heart a better workout. You can select the dance style and level of difficulty that best suits your needs. Your doctor will be able to tell you what is acceptable.
If you have an injury, wait until it heals before beginning to dance. You may have more options than you realize if you have additional physical constraints. People with physical and mental disabilities can participate in integrated, or inclusive, dance, which was first introduced in the 1960s. Dance companies that feature dancers in wheelchairs, for example, exist.
Dancing is a terrific method to
stay in shape throughout pregnancy, especially if you were a dancer previously.
Be careful with your equilibrium when your back is under much stress during the
second and third trimesters. To complement your dancing training, talk to your
doctor about completing pelvic floor exercises like Kegels and core activities
to strengthen your abs, low back, and hips.