Getting In Shape With Ballroom Dancing

If you watched Dancing With The Stars, one thing you are sure to have noticed is how well-toned every dancer's body was. Oh yes, one got caught up with all the pizzazz that was built around the dancing in the show � the comments, the asides, the costumes � but it was the bodies that held your attention � the way they moved and the way they looked. No spare flesh to be seen anywhere, just sleek, perfectly toned and shaped arms, legs, abs. One reason is that ballroom dancing is really one of the best workouts there is.

To many of us who don't dance too often or too well, ballroom dancing is nice, slow and romantic, in a dimly lit dance floor or out in the moonlight. Well, trained ballroom dancers have a different story to tell. It's a hard job to dance well and as hard staying fit and abreast of the many who come into this world of perfect timing and perfect physique. All those moves, those twirls and those bends and twists give you much more of exercise than an aerobics class would.

Ballroom dancing is a good alternative to the gym if you are thinking of a bit more strenuous form of exercise. At a gym somehow you tend to notice just how good and toned everyone else looks and it could give you a complex if you have a lot of excess weight to shed. At a dance class however, the emphasis is on the moves rather than the exercise. It's also fun and you can go do it as a couple. It's great if you haven't found a fun way to exercise � you should go check it out.

The great thing is that you are burning as many calories as any other form of exercise like at the gym for instance. Well, sometimes even more. One session could mean that you burn anything between 200 to 400 calories, how much precisely would depend on the kind of dance you choose. Now this is like half an hour on the elliptical trainer or a brisk walk. Some energetic dances burn up even more calories.

Moreover, ballroom dancing exercises every part of your body � not just certain portions like at the gym when you are doing crunches or you are on the treadmill. Little wonder that professional ballroom dancers look so worked over and superbly toned from head to toe.

There could be more to make it even more enjoyable. Unlike any other form of exercise, you get teamed up with a partner � well you could go as a couple or you could just go and be paired off. Doing things together is great fun and who knows, you might just make friends who last a lot longer than your dance lessons. So get out there and dance your way to fitness!

Dance Lessons Offered during Greenbrier Weekend

WHITE SULFUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Residents and visitors of Greenbrier County are getting the chance to learn some new moves. Ballroom and Latin dancing lessons and dances for beginning, intermediate, and

NIGHTLIFE CALENDAR

COMEDYComedy Shrine: Bobby Tessel with Dan Ronan, Feb. 3-4. Tickets are $15-$20. Chicks are Funny, 8 p.m. Thursdays. $10. Who’s Line Improv shows 8, 10 p.m Fridays and 4, 8, 10 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets are $10-$15 for adults; $8-$12 for students. At 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive , Aurora. Call (630) 585-0300 or visit comedycomedy.net or comedyshrine.com. The Improv: Charlie Murphy,Feb. 3-4. $32 ...

What To Do

•How to do ‘what to do’ What To Do is a free listing of special events in the city and region. Priority will be given to community groups, non-profit organizations and family activities. It is not intended as a free listing for businesses which have other promotional options within the newspaper.

Nightlife: Mike Toomey’s TV & Me

COMEDYComedy Shrine: Who’s Line Improv at 8 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Who’s Line Naughty Show at 10 p.m. Friday. ComedyComedy stand-up at the Shrine. Tickets are $10 to $15 for adults; $8 to $12 for students with ID and Military. West of Westfield Fox Valley Mall in Plaza Square at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive , Aurora. Call (630) 585-0300 or visit comedyshrine.com. The Improv ...

Shoreline brings dance moves to Gorton Community Center

Waltz. Cha cha. Foxtrot. Rumba. The Shoreline Dance Club will teach these ballroom standards over the next four months to all comers at its monthly dances at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. And instructor Bob Urbon, a long-time Chicago-area dance instructor, welcomes them with open arms. “You’re getting out and meeting other people and learning something new. And it’s fun,” he said ...