Monday, August 19, 2013

Dancing Your Way to Weight Loss

Dancers Vernon and Irene Castle. Gelatin silve...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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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Monday, August 5, 2013

Hawaii’s Strict Dancing Law – What are the dancing laws where you live?

On the island of Maui, which is a beloved spot to live and a popular destination for tourists, fun-seekers have to tame down or give up entirely their love of dancing.

The Maui Department of Liquor Control has taken safety to a higher standard by laying down some strict rules when it comes to mixing drinking and dancing. Currently, any establishment that serves alcohol has to closely monitor and limit when and where any form of dancing occurs. They must have designated dance floors that are at least 100 square feet and that are completely 100% alcohol free zones.

The deputy director of the department says this enforcement on dancing is an effort to maintain order in places where it could get out of control. Broken glass and spilled drinks can make for a dangerous environment for patrons.

What are your thoughts?

If you think this is going a bit too far then you are not alone. Those opposed to this law feel as though it infringes on people’s freedom of expression. Many establishments feel it affects their business and their relationship with their customers. There is an advocate group dedicated to overturning this law but petitions and lawsuits have gone nowhere.

One side claims Hawaii’s strict dancing law protects visitors and citizens and the other side claims it goes against constitutional rights. What side would you land on? There are similar rules in other areas such as Honolulu, Kauai and Big Island but that doesn’t make this enforcement on dancing any more popular.

State lawmakers are trying to force the liquor department to quit enforcing these rules but so far the fight is ongoing. So, the next time you decide to head to one of these beautiful islands, remember to put your drink down and stick to the designated area before showing off your latest Footloose moves.

A love of dancing can also bring its share of injury. If you are being sidelined with foot pain, please contact Central Connecticut Footcare Center for help. Make an appointment with Dr. Tina Boucher by calling (203) 238-3668.