You should be dancing...

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi

As a result of boredom with traditional exercise, many fitness fanatics are now switching to dancing to get into shape.

EVERYONE is unique and everyone has their own way of getting fit and getting in shape. Sometimes lifting heavy weights and running on a treadmill is not everyone’s prefered work out.

The thought of having to run on a treadmill or spinning can make an experienced fitness enthusiast quiver.

As a result of boredom with traditional exercise, many fitness fanatics are now switching to dancing to get themselves into shape. Not only is it a stress reliever and therapeutic, but it’s also a great exercise, due to its aerobic and anaerobic movements.

Debbie Calder a professional dancer and dance teacher from Just Move dance fitness studio in Cape Town who is passionate about health and fitness, says dancing is one of the best ways to keep fit and fun all year around.

She explains dance fitness as a movement that incorporates the body in a unique way by lengthening the muscles. She also says it doesn’t focus on bulking up the big muscle groups in the body, rather it creates balance in the body by using big and small muscle groups in a dynamic way which develops a lean physique.

There are various types of dance fitness studios available, from body conditioning to ballet and pole dancing. Choosing the right one may be confusing and stressful.

Calder says before joining a dance class, the most important thing to consider is having an open mind.

“Dance can be seen as an intimidating venture for most, but keep in mind that everyone starts off as a beginner. It is also important to find a teacher who understands your body and who can guide you towards a better state of health without risk of injury.”

She explains each dance class has a different purpose and health benefits. If you are looking at strengthening your muscles, she suggests looking into a dance fitness class.

DANCE can be a stress reliever. | OLIVIA BAUSO Unsplash

“This class is a combination of fun dance cardio routines followed by core strengthening exercises and stretching. The class is aimed at strengthening, toning and sculpting the entire body.”

What is becoming more popular among adults as well is ballet: the beginners and intermediate classes. The health benefits of these classes are endless and beneficial for people who would like to improve core strength, posture, muscle tone, flexibility and balance.

For many years, contemporary dance has been viewed as a dance for professional dancers but that has since changed as many fitness lovers are starting to explore this type of fitness method.

“This class is aimed at giving people a chance to learn the basics of contemporary dance while strengthening, toning and increasing flexibility in the entire body.”

Everyone wants to have the perfect summer body without sweating at a conventional gym to get to the desired fitness level.

That could be achieved in a number of ways such as a body conditioning dance class. This class involves a sequence of exercises aimed at strengthening, toning and lengthening your muscles. It focuses on using correct alignment, strengthening legs and core; and increasing flexibility. Calder says the body dance class is popular among men unlike most of the dance classes dominated by females. “Society perceives dance as a more accessible form of exercise for women, but it can be beneficial for everyone.”

Natasha Williams from BodyMind Studios in Johannesburg and Pole Dance Sports Association of South Africa says, pole dancing classes are fun, sexy and will leave you with a great feeling of confidence. “Pole dancing not only tones and helps you to lose weight, but the strength you build will give you a stronger core, stronger heart muscles and give your body the best workout ever.”

She explains that women move their bodies in different ways to men. They are more flowing and move in a circular shape, whereas men are more mechanical and focus on one body part at a time - their movement is an up-and-down motion.

“Most of the fitness forms available today are focused on male movement. Gyms have exercise machines that target specific body parts and are purely mechanical in nature. This is one of the main reasons why a lot of women find the gym to be extremely boring.”

For pole dancing for beginners, she suggests pole basic, which is great for those who want a slightly slower paced class to learn the basics properly.

For those who are feeling more daring, she suggests a sensual fitness. “It’s like an aerobics class, but without the jumping. Puting together a routine using feminine movements that work the rest of your body. Focusing on abs, booty, love handles and thighs, and all those yummy areas that women have.”

The core benefits of these classes are toning, losing weight, confidence core strength, conditioning, faster and more engaging exercise.

DANCE fitness works the entire body. | MICHAEL ZITTEL Pexels