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When you think of exercise and getting fit, what comes to your mind? Hard work,
sweat, pain and procrastination? I think of all of these things, and one more –
FUN! If you are one of many people who think that getting fit and having fun are
mutually exclusive, think again - and then - think DANCE.
People have always loved to dance. From the beginning of time, dance has been a
way to socialize, relax and have fun with friends and loved ones. We danced the
hokey poky as kids. We danced in high school - remember proms and square dancing?
We danced the jitterbug and the twist at parties in our early adult lives. And we
continue to dance at weddings and other events when we socialize. Some of us are
even brave enough to take on ballroom dancing (think of the hit TV show, Dancing
with the Stars)!
It wasn’t until more recently though that some smart soul realized that we could
use dance as a significant part of our daily fitness regimen. Fun, socialization,
relaxation and fitness results – why not? No one ever said that working out had
to feel like work!
The dance craze is now sweeping the globe. If you take a look at any fitness club,
you will see all sorts of classes out there. From Hip Hop, to Jazz, to Latin Dancing,
even Belly Dancing! There is something for everyone, and the results are undeniable.
So what are the benefits of dance? And how do I choose the best class for me? Let’s
take a look!
Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. During
an hour of sustained dancing you can burn between 400 and 800 calories. There are
a number of factors which determine how many calories you burn, including your weight,
age, work intensity, and type of dance you choose, but no matter these factors,
dancing is a great way to burn pounds away!
Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an
improved cholesterol profile. Experts typically recommend 30 minutes of continuous
activity three to four times a week. Regardless of the intensity of your work or
the type of dance you choose, taking on dance a few times a week will improve your
cardiovascular health.
Dance classes typically feature movements that use the body’s big muscle groups
of the quadriceps, hips and abdominals– muscles that most people want to strengthen
and tone.
The side-to-side movements of many dances strengthen your weight bearing bones
and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass (osteoporosis). This is especially
important as we age.
If you have any condition that disables you from performing high intensity or
high impact movement, if you are de-conditioned or if you are brand new to fitness,
dance is the perfect choice for you! Dance is a low impact alternative that allows
you to improve your health and get fitness results in a safe environment. Dance
does not discriminate. Any person can do it at their own level!
Dancing gives participants a social component that solitary fitness endeavors
don't. Bring your friends, or make new friends - either way the social factor inherent
in a dance class contributes to improved self-esteem and a positive outlook.
Great music, instructors with lots of energy, variety – what could be more fun?
Instead of standing on a treadmill for an hour, or walking the weight room floor
alone, join a dance class. The workout goes by so much faster when you are with
like-minded people, doing something that you all enjoy!
Highlighted below are three different dance classes that we offer at Lifestyle Family
Fitness*. Each is different, but all offer the benefits that we discussed above.
BODYJAM® is a 55-minute workout set to the latest music and greatest dance moves.
It’s cardio fun at its best for those with a passion for movement. You’ll burn calories,
increase your fitness levels – and learn to dance better.
BODYJAM® gives you all the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, including burning
lots of calories. When the class kicks into performance phase your heart rate will
go through the roof! Dance is also great for improving coordination, with a big
focus on moving through a wide range of planes and movement tempos. Best of all,
BODYJAM® will get you hooked on dance and the emotional high that comes from this
unique form of self-expression.
Zumba® is a fusion of Latin and International music - dance themes that create
a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! The routines feature aerobic interval
training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
Zumba® utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training
to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. It is a mixture of
body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps.
Zumba® combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations
that allow the Zumba® participants to dance away their worries. It is based on the
principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO" allowing Zumba® participants
to stick to the Zumba® fitness program and achieve long-term health benefits. Zumba®
is a “feel-happy” workout that is great for both the body and the mind.
Dancing With the Stars is a ballroom dancing class where participants learn ballroom
dance types like the waltz, tango, swing, cha cha, salsa, meringue, hustle, and
more. Not only do participants learn the steps to these dances, they learn the key
dance components that relate to overall fitness and health. The classes are built
to be social, so whether you bring a partner or meet one in class, everyone has
the opportunity to meet new friends. These classes are simple, fun and a great self-confidence
builder!
As you can see, although these classes offer similar benefits, they each have their
own feel! From the intensity and variety in BODYJAM®, to the hip-swinging looseness
of Zumba® to the socialization and confidence that comes from learning a new ballroom
dance, there is something for everyone. The most important thing is to choose a
class where you will feel comfortable and have a great time. That is what dance
is all about, and that is what we are here to provide!
During the month of May, Lifestyle Family Fitness will be highlighting all of our
dance classes, including programs like BODYJAM®, Zumba®, and a host of other local
dance classes. All month, members and non-members alike are invited to try out one
of our dance classes, free of charge. Improve your coordination, your cardio endurance,
your body image….and best of all, burn a whole lot of calories and have a whole
lot of fun doing it!
BODYJAM® is a 55-minute workout set to the latest music and greatest dance moves.
It’s cardio fun at its best for those with a passion for movement. You’ll burn calories,
increase your fitness level – and learn to dance better.
BODYJAM® gives you all the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, including burning
lots of calories. When the class kicks into performance phase your heart rate will
go through the roof! Dance is also great for improving coordination, with a big
focus on moving through a wide range of planes and movement tempos.
Best of all, BODYJAM® will get you hooked on dance and the emotional high that comes
from this unique form of self-expression.
Think dance school. The group warms up with simple moves working one body part
at a time... shoulders... chest...hips... Then you learn simple but exciting dance
combinations that follow the latest music and hottest dance trends. This is the
rehearsal and of course each rehearsal phase is followed by a complete bust-out
performance where you go crazy – just one more time!
The pace slows briefly for a mid-class recovery phase before the action builds again
to a second, sky-high peak. A nice, safe cool-down brings you home. Like all Les
Mills programs, a new BODYJAM® class is released every three months with new music
and choreography. Each new class will be a different experience depending on what’s
current.
BODYJAM® choreography is simple and allows plenty of time for you to learn each
new move. Your instructor will coach your style and direction, and motivate you
to perform at your best. You then get to perform that piece of choreography with
the freedom to get totally lost in the sensation of dance.
Bring a water bottle and towel. Clothing should be loose and comfortable for maximum
movement and having a shoe that enables you to twist and turn with the BODYJAM®
movements will help you achieve more from the class.
This class is designed for everyone but having moderate fitness levels will enable
you to get the most from the workout. There is no limit to the number of BODYJAM®
classes you can do in a week. This class will leave you feeling great! Everyone
wants to be a dancer so come see what all the noise is about!
If you’d like to know more, talk to us or visit our website www.lff.com. Here
you’ll find a list of all of our Group Fitness classes and a link to a site called
“Learn the Moves” where you can try some of the key BODYJAM® moves in the comfort
of your own home!
* Not all classes are offered at all locations. Please check local Group Fitness
schedule for a class near you. Or, visit our website at www.lff.com.
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