Dancing is more than just fun

Nov 05, 2012

Who ever thought that losing weight could be so much fun? Dance-oriented fitness is becoming popular, especially with the ladies. From the fun Zumba fitness videos that are flying off the shelves in video stores downtown to the fun dance studio-based fitness classes sprouting all over town, getting

By Carol Kezaabu

Who ever thought that losing weight could be so much fun? Dance-oriented fitness is becoming popular, especially with the ladies. From the fun Zumba fitness videos that are flying off the shelves in video stores downtown to the fun dance studio-based fitness classes sprouting all over town, getting in shape has become more fun.

Karim Mukwano, a dance instructor at In-Motion Dance Studio in Kampala, says many people join the classes to lose weight than learn how to dance. “Dancing is also a heart-pumping workout that delivers effective results when done regularly,” says Mukwano.

The gym is often boring that people shy away from exercising there regularly. But dance is so much fun that time goes by without one noticing.

Some dance clubs create special classes where they incorporate different styles, including Latin, African and Lingala to burn calories, says Karim. Some clubs specialise in zumba and salsa. The Latin-inspired dance classes help firm, tone and rid the body of toxins.

“Dancing involves the whole body, from your head to toe. It is, therefore, effective for weight loss and getting into shape. It works every muscle like running would,” says Timothy Ngobi, a fitness instructor at Kabira Country Club in Kampala.

Ngobi says hourly sessions, three times a week, can yield positive results. “In a professional class, the instructors incorporate small weights to help tone different body parts. By combining fun with a heavy dance workout, dancing builds cardio endurance and increases the core muscle strength,” he says.

Benefits of dance

l It provides for total body toning, along with a heart pumping aerobic workout. It also burns calories, engages the whole body and tightens the muscles.

l It improves cardiovascular health. Research has found that one of the best ways to improve the cardiovascular (heart) system is by performing physical activity because it works out the heart, like walking, swimming, or dancing would.

l It helps one lose weight. The more cardiovascular exercises you exert on your body, the more weight you lose. Ngobi says weight loss depends on how regularly one exercises.

It improves body coordination and overall balance.

 It also helps relieve stress because one throws caution to the wind as she enjoys the dance moves.

l Dance elevates mood by raising endorphin levels. This is what allows us to heal stress and depression.

l Because it is so much fun, you never tire of it and it is easy to keep doing, thus increasing your workouts, benefiting the body. “When you find yourself looking forward to the exercise, it can’t get better than that,” says Mukwano.

Anyone can dance, but Ngobi, emphasises says that people with injuries or disabilities should not dance. “You can cause more damage to your body if you are injured, so consult on the other gym facilities that can help you work out without aggravating the injury,” he says. And just like anyone embarking on a fitness regimen like running, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice.

Once you have started on a dance fitness regimen, you still have to pay attention to your diet. “What you put in your mouth matters a lot. Some people put so much work in the dance class, but then go out and reverse all the hard work by making poor eating choices,” says Ngobi.

“As much as you work out, you need to watch your eating habits. Eating the right foods helps make fitness more effective.”

 

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