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!

Community Calendar

By Robinson Newspapers Staff The print deadline for calendar submissions is two weeks before the date of the event to be publicized. Email calendar@ballardnewstribune.com, or to get it posted online immediately, email michaelh@robinsonnews.com. Greenwood Senior Center 525 N. 85th St. 206.297.0875 Feldenkrais: Awareness Through Movement ...

Do It! listings — what's happening in Niagara

ART A MANO LIBERA GALLERY: A. Michael Shumate and Sandy Rasmussen, Sept. 11-Oct. 10. Gallery open Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 150 Ontario St. ANGIE STRAUSS GALLERY AND CRAFT CENTRE: Open daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.[...]

The autumn hot list 2010

From the hip-hop artist who scares Kanye West to the funniest teens on the telly and the launch of Tom Ford's must-have womenswear label, here are 20 highlights for the next season 1. Celebrity offspring It's easy to be envious of second-generation celebrities. Not only do their genes mean that without even trying they look vaguely famous, but they also get an unfair leg-up when it comes to ...

2010 football preview: Class 3A capsules

2010 team-by-team Class 3A football capsules.

Music Review: Phil Wilson and Makoto Ozone - Live!! At the Berklee Performance Center

Available for the first time in nearly 25 years, Phil Wilson and Makoto Ozone’s Live!! At the Berklee Performance Center is a dazzling exhibition of talent and drive. The recording was originally released in 1982 and received 4.5 stars from Leonard Feather. Listening to it now, it’s easy ...