Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
'Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it's heaven on earth.' -Mark Twain
The benefits of physical activity include maintaining healthy weight, strengthening muscles, and increasing balance and flexibility. This list continues to grow as individuals discover how exercise makes us feel better, physically and mentally. Beginning and maintaining a workout program offers all of these benefits to anyone who will commit to the activity . For many, committing to an exercise program conjures images of long cardio workouts on a treadmill and strenuous weight lifting with a trainer pushing you as far as you can go. For some people this sounds like a great way to work out and maintain fitness. However, others may need this encouragement: working out can be fun!
Harvard University advises moderate physical activity for the overall population. Physical activity is often measured in METs or metabolic equivalents. 1 MET equals the amount of energy used while sitting quietly. Moderate intensity activity occurs around 3-6 METs. Many daily activities fall into this recommended measurement including vacuuming, mowing the lawn, gardening, walking, cycling, and dancing.
Another tactic that encourages continued participation in regular physical activity is making your workout social. Involving other people will keep you accountable and increase the fun. A great choice for a workout anytime is dancing. Dancing provides a great workout because the level of intensity can be easily varied. Also, it can bring back fun memories, boost on-going memory skills, and keep your body healthy for life. Other benefits of dancing include:
- strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
- tone your entire body
- improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
- increase your stamina and flexibility
- reduce stress and tension
- build confidence
- provide opportunities to meet people, and
- ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression
If fitness dancing sounds like fun, there are many types to consider: salsa dancing, flemenco, clogging, jazz, tap, ballroom, modern, belly dancing or swing dancing. Dancing for fitness can be fun for anyone! Many places exist where you can get involved in a dance program. Try starting at your local YMCA and look into local dance schools or dance halls. Start today by turning up the radio and kick up your heels in the comfort of your own living room. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy!
Found at Optifastsolution.com
