By: Lisa Zeigel
Have you ever been to a party or an event that is dull and going nowhere, until a couple decides to go out on the dance floor, which attracts others to join in, and suddenly – it looks like everyone is dancing? That party suddenly came alive with people of all shapes and sizes, people who would never set foot in a gym, or on a treadmill, or even think of formally exercising. Yet there they are, shaking their hips and working up a sweat.
Dancing elicits the same neurotransmitter response that any aerobic exercise does. It lifts your mood, making you feel happy and energetic. It also helps melt away stress – along with inches and pounds.
There has been surge of interest in dancing lately, thanks largely to the wildly popular television show, "Dancing with the Stars." A dance style called "Zumba" is hot in aerobics classes right now. "Dance aerobics" is an idea that was brought to the fitness world by a dance instructor named Jacki Sorenson, who developed the concept after studying Dr. Kenneth Cooper's (of the Cooper Institute) Air Force aerobics program.1 She promptly developed a class that combined dance with the idea of raising and monitoring the heart rate before, during and after the sessions. The classes took off from there. That was back in 1969. Since then, we've been through the leg warmers, high-impact step, "feeling the burn" with Jane Fonda, and living through the many other fads that have come and gone. However, much of the aerobics scene has changed over the years. There are some styles that have endured and still remain popular. Salsa and other forms of Latin dance are at the top of this list.
Why do students flock to these classes? UCLA International Folk Dance Club Co-Director and dance instructor Cynthia Harper, who teaches "Latin Sizzle", a cardio-salsa class that even I could do, explains, "Students have such a great time in dance classes, and as a bonus, they are learning a new skill that they can take outside the class into social situations." So not only do you get a great workout, you will never again have to be a wallflower at parties and events. You can wow your friends and relatives with your grace and expertise. OK, maybe I'm getting a little carried away. But you get the picture – dancing carries over into other aspects of your life.
So what if you are like me and couldn't bust a move, then replicate it to save your life? No worries. All you need is a little patience with yourself and the understanding that there are different stages to learning a new motor skill. With the help of a good instructor, you can determine what style of learning works best for you (by watching, listening, or doing – or a combination of these). Know that learning a skill like this is like a workout for your central nervous system, including your brain! This can only enhance the physical aspects of dancing, which means becoming more fit, inside and out.
Along with the calorie-burning and mental aspects of dancing, you also develop agility, balance and coordination. If you were not born with natural ability, like anything else, you can learn it. But if all else fails, and you still feel self-conscious about being in a classroom with others who are more able, remember that rarely will anyone be watching you to check on your form – most likely the other students will be watching the instructor, concentrating on their own technique and checking out how suave they look in the mirror. I once attended a class that I at first felt frustrated in because I had trouble learning the routines. Eventually, I learned enough to get myself moving in a manner resembling something like what the instructor was demonstrating. But sometimes I would move to the right while the rest of the class went to the left! I finally learned not to let this bother me, and I started to enjoy that feeling of freedom as I just let my body move to the music.
Dance exercise classes are easy to find. Obviously, you can check out programs at gyms, YMCAs, and studios. But you might also want to look at adult education classes through your local school district, community college extension classes, university extension classes, churches, and city recreation departments. (Often these are very inexpensive). You don't necessarily need a partner, and it is a great way to meet new friends (or even a date)!
If you are still hesitant about joining a class, just stay at home, put on a DVD (dance aerobic videos abound in stores and online), or just put on your favorite, rhythmic, danceable music, draw the blinds, and let yourself go!
Any way you do it, dancing is a blast – you may even forget that you are exercising!
1 http://home.netcom.com/~aerobic/HistoryofAerobicDancing.htm
Lisa Zeigel is a personal trainer and a group exercise instructor who has been involved in health and fitness for more than 19 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a health and fitness instructor and as a National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer. She has created unique wellness education programs and has taught healthy lifestyle classes for her local community. Currently, Lisa works with all types of clients and particularly likes to focus on new and returning exercisers, combining cutting-edge techniques with the tried-and-true. Most of all, she strives to make exercising fun and easy to integrate into each individual’s lifestyle. You can contact Lisa at fitgrrl@operamail.com.
I read your article Dance your way to fitness on www.zonediet.com and I couldn’t agree with you more – dancing is a great fun way to fitness. My wife and I have been in the Zone since we read Dr. Sears’s book The Zone back in 1995. Dancing at the many New York area Latin dance night clubs, like the West Gate Lounge in Nyack New York, Latin Quarter (LQ) and the Copacabana in Manhattan, among others, has been key to staying healthy, happy and in good physical condition.
See you on the dance floor!
Ed C.