It started with Sweating to the Oldies with Simmons. Then, choreographed a Charleston in college. Soon, turned to sizzling salsa with Kathy Smith. Explored the benefits of beledi (belly dance) next. Hopped on the hip-hop train. Blasted Bollywood. And, of course, zoomed into Zumba. Hurried into hoop-dancing. All in the name of passion and fitness.
My last blog post talked about why walking is NOT the best way to whittle your waist. This week, we are talking about THE best way to whittle your waist (with a special offer).
From the time I was a young sprout, dance has always been a passion. However, as a “fluffy” child who was also the youngest of four, I was too shy (and too poor) to take any formal dancing classes. Seeing amazing talent on TV shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and in community education classes inspires me to keep on dancing.
Did you see the article on Misty Copeland becoming the principal ballerina at American Ballet Theater? Misty does not fit the profile of a traditional dancer, and busted a glass ceiling 85 years in the making. Misty is amazing and inspirational, because she has pursued her passion despite many challenges. To learn more about her, visit https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/01/arts/dance/misty-copeland-is-promoted-to-principal-dancer-at-american-ballet-theater.html?_r=0
By the way, you don’t have to be at her level to benefit from dance. Here are 2 of my favorite benefits of dance that have nothing to do with how talented you are:
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Improves core strength and balance. As a mom, you may struggle with work-life balance. Well, at least dancing can help with the balance part!
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Elevates happiness. Dance raises our endorphin levels, which heals stress and depression. Go ahead, try to frown while you’re moving in joy!
To get 8 additional benefits, visit here.
What does dance have to do with whittling your waist? First of all, have you ever seen a dancer with muffin top? One of my favorite dancers, Twitch, was in Magic Mike XXL, and I can tell you that he has ABS! Improving core strength through dance is much more effective than through standard abdominal crunches or sit-ups.
Dance is a full-body exercise which incorporates movements that work your entire midsection. Unfortunately, trying to spot train your abs is all but impossible (ask a personal trainer). Dance is beautiful, because it allows you to work more muscles in your midsection than you even knew you had!
Don’t worry if you are no Misty Copeland or Twitch. The power of dance is that ANYONE can do it, so long as the beat is strong. Research shows that dance helps kids concentrate at school, prevents soccer moms from self-medicating with alcohol, and even decreases the chance of dementia in elderly folks.
Here’s a Grandma who is Getting Funky!
I am not a skilled dancer. But, I have a life-long passion for dance. Passion allows you to have fun, try new technique, and keep at it. One of the core concepts I teach clients when it comes to improving their health is you need to have fun while you’re doing it!
[bctt tweet=”If it’s not fun, why keep doing it?”]
This weekend, you have a chance to explore your own passion for dance. On August 15, you are invited to a judgment-free zone where you can shake your tail feather with your friends in style. This event is called the Dance Mile, and it has arrived in Minneapolis.
