Dance Fitness - Wanna Dance?

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

02 Jun 2008 06:25 PM

So You Think You Can Dance is back on television and like last year, my daughter and I are totally hooked. This Thursday they will launch the actual contest. Whenever I watch the show, I'm reminded of just how physical is dancing (not that I needed the reminder), but with the show back on, it's a good time to remind others as well.

If you're interested in switching up your fitness routine this summer, consider dancing as a way to invigorate your workout while also toning your body, burning extra calories and just overall feeling great. Think dancing can't burn a lot of excess fat? Check out Emmet Smith before and after his stint on Dancing with the Stars. He dropped 16 pounds during his dance training.

The best part of dancing, to be honest, isn't the weight it can burn (although that's really a huge perk at the same time). The best part of dancing is that it's fun. You get up, you swing your hips, you shake your booty and you roll your arms, all to your favorite dance music. You can do it at home, in a fitness club or even at a dance club. You can go to a dance studio and take ballroom dancing with a partner (hey married couples, this is a great idea!) or you can take a dancing class at a dance school.

So if you're interested in dancing your way to fitness this summer, here's a quick list of things you can do:

• Invest in a dance DVD workout. You can find them at Target or Walmart for $10 to $15
• Check out local dance studios and ballroom dance studios - lessons can range from $25 to $50 depending on whether it's a group or individual lesson
• Load up a CD into the player and dance your way through your chores
• Go out with friends to a dance club and cut loose - dancing is about fun, not looking good so don't be embarrassed

You can spend money to dance, but you don't have to. You can dress up to dance, but you don't have to. In fact, the only thing you have to do with dancing is have fun. So what do you say, wanna dance with me?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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