Put on Your Dancing Shoes

If the idea of a gym doesn't excite you, if you prefer the graceful moves of ballet to a spin class, tapping out a rhythm with your toes instead of the low thunder of a treadmill, take heart! Dancing can be great exercise, working your heart and muscles, all while having fun!

Do you enjoy ballet? Ballet is a full body workout, increasing your flexibility and range of motion. Ballet requires control, working the core while also working legs and arms. Instead of lifting weights, ballet requires you lift your own body weight, building and firming muscles. The music associated with ballet is also good for lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.

Think you are another Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers? Well, tap dancing may be for you! Tap dancing can be great aerobic exercise and builds strong bones because it is a weight bearing exercise. Tap dancing also improves balance, coordination and agility, qualities we tend to lose as we get older. The music is fun and uplifting, and it's hard not to smile while "Shuffling off to Buffalo!"

Addicted to "Dancing with the Stars?" Try ballroom dancing! Ballroom dancing can be great aerobic exercise and improves flexibility, coordination and balance. It is also a great social exercise, terrific for improving mood and reducing stress.

Want to spice things up with some salsa? Then how about salsa dancing! Salsa dancing improves endurance and aerobic health and may help you lose weight. It is a weight bearing exercise that helps to build strong bones and improves coordination. Salsa dancing is full of energy and is a great stress reducer!

Check out your local park district or community college for dance classes. Some dance studios offer classes designed for the adult beginner. Call around for more information. Don't worry if it's been years since you put on dance shoes. Get out and find the dance class that makes you happy and helps you to get fit! You will feel better and meet other people who enjoy dancing the way you do.