Staying fit means eating right, drinking plenty of water, weight control, and development of the bones and the muscular system. Almost anyone can do most of these. But, the fact is, unless you find a physical exercise or activity that you enjoy, you probably will not be able to maintain your fitness long term. This explains the rising popularity of dancing.
Why dance?
Dance requires physical movement and endurance, much like competitive sports. While the dancer is performing, he or she is giving their body a cardio, and aerobic workout. But, dance is more than that. A dancer must actively control every muscle in her body at the same time. She must execute precise movements in time with the music while she is exhibiting grace and control. This would be like a football player running for a touchdown while he moves his legs and arm in a fluid type movement.
Physical benefits
As stated, dance is a great way to burn calories and control your weight. Dance also increases muscle tone. Dancing stimulates the senses such as sight, touch, and sound. It helps lower stress, the risk of high blood pressure, and lowers your chance of stroke. Dancing is good for the heart, lungs, bones, and ligaments. The strength you build in your body with regular dancing will help you stay young and healthy.
Weight
Dancing moderately burns about 100 calories per hour. While you are burning those calories, you are building muscle. This turns your body into a fat burning machine. As the muscle grows in your body, you require more protein to keep it healthy. This means you can have more food, and be in better shape than if you eat less food and do not build muscle mass.
Carbohydrates and healthy fats are importants parts of the dancer’s diet. Carbs give you fast energy to help you when you are going for endurance. Bottom line is this; If you want to eat more, dance and you can enjoy a wider range of food and look better than ever.
Mental health
When you dance (and do other forms of exercise) your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are the natural feel good hormone in our brain. You feel good, and depression and stress fade away. The increased blood flow to your brain allows you to have more focus, mental clarity, and even improves your memory.
Getting started
There are many forms of dance. Take your time and look around to see what you want to try. Maybe you would like to get funky with some Hip Hop. Maybe you always wanted to learn the Tango or Salsa dancing. Whatever you want to try, you will need a few basic items.
You will need:
- Dance bag
- Dance shoes
- Tights
- Leotards
- Dance clothes
- Cover-up
- Tee shirts
- Warm-up pants
- Leg warmers
- Hair bands
- Dance shoes
- Water bottle
- Basic hygiene products
At some point and time, you may need a dance costume for a recital. Just For Kix carries a wide array of clothes for dancers online.
Conclusion
You may want to dance for fun. You may want to dance for competition. It doesn’t matter what your reasons are. Dance is a fun and healthy activity that is reasonably priced. So do a little local research and join a dance class. You will be amazed at how much this single act benefits your health.