Dancing?

[blas]

I don't have the money to take any real dancing classes, nor do I really even dance much when I'm out and about.

But last week, I decided it might boost my mental health up a few notches if along with my gym routine and my stretching at home, if I danced a few minutes before bed. It made me feel pretty good. I did it on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday last week. Nothing in particular, some hula hoop mimicking, some booty shaking, some of my version of salsa dancing, some kicking and dancing combos....

Does anyone think that this actually burns calories or helps tone muscles? It's not for very long and it's not being taught to me.....but it's pretty fun. I can do it in the privacy of my own home and no one is watching and I don't care how stupid I am.

[AdminAssistant]

I was in the best shape of my life when I took dance class (Intermediate Jazz). It absolutely burns calories and helps tone muscles...especially the warm ups that we did (killer!). Just make sure that you're stretching and not over-extending any joints.

If you ever do decide to go with classes, try local arts centers or dance studios instead of gyms. They frequently have classes for adults, might be more affordable, and you'll be learning how to really dance instead of 'jazzercise.'

[blas]

Yeah, my gym doesn't have any dance classes, that's probably a good thing because you should see some of those prices for their Yoga and yogalates and other silly classes!!!

It isn't foolproof, but it put me to sleep a little better without needing a Melatonin, and I felt a little better waking up. Of course I hate waking up, knowing what awaits me at work, but it was just a theory. Supposedly, people who dance a lot are happier.

[ArcticChicken]

It absolutely does help burn calories and tone muscle, it's activity, what's more, it's fun activity, which means it's a lot easier to keep going past the time where you would quite on any other activity.

[Seshat]

Of course it does!

To quote my physiotherapist: "it doesn't matter what activity you do, just be active".


Dance as often and as long as you want to, Blas. Dance in any style, or no style. Dance to music or no music. If dance makes you happy, DANCE! It'll improve your mood and your body simultaneously.

[Amethyst Hunter]

There is a great quote about dancing by Rumi; I wish I could remember it exactly (but there's always Google).

I want to try dancing even though I have the classic two left feet. It just looks like fun and I like music.

[Seshat]

So just do it. :)

In your own living room, or bedroom, or wherever there's a bit of space, turn on some music and dance like nobody's watching.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Sure it helps. Every little bit, right?

Look for some dance-inspired workout videos if you want some new moves (and to learn how to do them properly)...there are plenty of ballet routines, salsa, etc. Check your library if you don't want to spend money.

[emax4]

I may need to see more booty shaking, JUST TO TEST whether or not if it works.. ;)

Actually, any physical activity eventually helps you burn off calories but it maintains a good mental health as well.

[TheMike]

There are also Pole-dancing classes that are more aerobic than most people would believe. as well as tai-chi if you want a slower pace. any kind of movement will burn the calories and make you feel better :)

[Der Cute]

Heck, I'd just go get a reg hula-hoop, some old 50's music with a beat, and even some happier newer music, and go to town.

[Seshat]

I just did some 'dance like nobody's watching' dance. Cleared my mind, worked my body. (And one song exhausted me, but eh. Next week, I try two songs.)

[Solumina]

Dancing is fun and that alone is reason enough to do it. I shake my butt to Lady Gaga when I fold towels at work, it makes me fold a bit slower but makes the time pass faster.

[XCashier]

I was in the best shape of my life when I took dance class (Intermediate Jazz).
Same here. I took Modern and Jazz Dance in lieu of traditional Gym class in high school and college. Even though I have all the grace and coordination of a hog on ice, it did tone all the muscle groups and kept me slim.
If you ever do decide to go with classes, try local arts centers or dance studios instead of gyms. They frequently have classes for adults, might be more affordable, and you'll be learning how to really dance instead of 'jazzercise.'
You might also try your local Parks & Recreation Department. Some of those will offer dance or other classes for reasonable fees.

Or you can just shake your booty in the privacy of your own home. :)

[McGoddess09]

One dance that is easy to do, but will work you out is the Caramelldansen. Look it up on youtube. It's a cutesy song that will be stuck in your head for days.

Here is a link to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXK9ShllebQ

Do exactly as they do in the video. Seriously.

[morgana]

I'll echo the "best shape of my life" comments. I used to belly dance, and talk about exercise! Wooo. Ballroom dance was almost as good.

And there are lots of good videos out there, if you decide you want to try something more structured. Try your local library.

[Magpie]

I was at a ceili on Saturday and the caller's daughter was there dancing. She had the BEST calves ever, I'm jealous. (I was watching her feet very carefully to figure out how to do the footwork. Not only is it easier to see than to hear, but I know that the caller simplifies it when she explains).