Our Favorite Workout… Dance!
How many of you love to hit the gym? My guess is not too many. We know that a good workout is an important part of daily life, but what if going for a run or lifting weights just isn’t your thing? Try a more exciting workout – like dance! Lots of people already know that dancing is awesome cardio. In fact, at Dance FX Studios, quite a few of our new students come in looking to lose a few extra pounds. We’ve talked about some of the amazing benefits that come along with partner dancing before, but today we’re going to talk about how dancing is an all-around work out! Whether you want to dance Two Step, Swing, or Tango, the health benefits of dancing are incredible! Lets talk about just a few of the ways dance can help you improve your physique one song at a time.
Cardio and Calorie Burning
Although the pros on So You Think You Can Dance don’t look like they’re working too hard, they’re definitely getting their heart rate up! A lot of social partner dances are high energy. That means that all those quick steps and turns will get you sweating in no time! Some of the best calorie busters out there? Salsa, Swing (even Country Swing) and Cha Cha! You can burn anywhere from 260 to 530 calories per hour with these fun, uptempo dances!
Flexibility
I know, I know… When you think Ballroom Dance, you think stiff, right? Not true! Although learning to partner dance requires a little work on your posture, you definitely gain some flexibility. If you’re looking to touch your toes again, consider trying the Argentine Tango. With its long, elegant steps and contra-body (twisting) movement, you start to increase your hip, leg, and core flexibility quickly. Stretching before and after your dance is also key. This helps speed up the flexibility process, but helps prevent injury on the dance floor.
Stability and Strength
It isn’t quite the strength training that you get from lifting weights, but there is a degree of muscle required for partner dancing. Sustaining a proper frame is an awesome workout for your arms and shoulders. Be ready to be sore when you’re first getting started! You’ll also notice that partner dancing requires a lot of balance. Just like yoga helps build strength through balance, dancing is the ultimate stability training. You are maintaining your own center while helping keep your partner’s. Double whammy! Remember, you’re throwing around your own body weight throughout the entirety of the dance… If that isn’t a workout, I don’t know what is.
If you want to get in on the fitness revolution, learn to dance! A gym membership won’t do you any good if you can’t convince yourself to go. Dancing is a fun, social activity that can make you break a sweat and a smile. Join us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ for private dance lessons or group dance classes. We’re located just off the 101 and the 60, minutes away from Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. Try out a variety of dances (variety is key to a successful workout) such a Argentine Tango, Salsa, Foxtrot, and more. Our professional instructors are here to help get you on your path to help and happiness, so call us today!
Contact us to begin your dancing journey…
Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.
