Dancing Your Way to Weight Loss

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Have you ever tuned in to watch shows like Dancing with Stars or So You Think You Can Dance? Aside from providing great entertainment, shows like these have also proven that dancing is a great form of exercise! Stars such as: Kirstie Alley, Jennie Garth, Marie Osmond and Kelly Osbourne can all attest to the weight loss they experienced while training and twirling on the dance floor. They have the before and after pictures to prove it!

If you have been living in the doldrums when it comes to exercise, maybe it is time to find your inner dancer and take it up a notch! You don’t have to be an expert at a particular style to reap the benefits of letting loose to your favorite tunes. The key is “constant, high energy movement using large muscle groups,” according to fitness experts at Livestrong.com. If a local community center or YMCA offers dance classes, look for salsa, swing, break dancing, hip hop and even ballet.

How can I lose weight while dancing?

Most styles of dance require you to engage almost every muscle group. A high-energy dance session is going to get your heart rate up and cause you to use your muscles, especially your core, which is going to burn calories! Aside from a great calorie burn, dancing will improve balance and posture, increase your flexibility and improve your cardiovascular health.

So are you ready to bust a move? Take a class after work or simply crank up the stereo and dance with your kids at home. It is easy and fun. Stay in tune to your body as well. If at any time you have foot pain or an old injury comes back to haunt you, call Dr. Tina Boucher at Central Connecticut Footcare Center. She regularly helps dancers stay fit and on their feet. For diagnosis or treatment, call our office in Meriden, CT (203) 238-3668.

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