Dance
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Research has found that a tango can work your heart harder than a game of squash and a rumba is as aerobically challenging as jogging.Not only that but people who perform this seem to be happier, more creative and confident, as this is a great stress-buster and energy booster.
Researchers in Oregon, USA, found that a rigorous class can burn off as many calories as a workout in the gym and improve muscle tone and coordination. This is one of the best exercises for weight loss.
Cardio exercises
It is for everyone! With these cardio exercises you can perform your way to better health, broader social contacts, increased poise and flexibility, greater self-confidence and more.Belinda Linden of the British Heart Foundation agrees. She says: "Regular moderate physical activity such as this can be very beneficial for our health.
"One advantage is that it is a more pleasurable form of exercise than repetitive activities such as running, and if you are doing this as part of a group you are more likely to continue on a regular basis."
Types: LINE
It originated from cowboys in the Wild West who wanted to dance- but had no women for partners. Instead they formed lines and walked in time to the music. The initial steps are easy to master and the pace is equivalent to a brisk walk. Beginners learn how to twinkle, waltz box, cross-shuffle and apple-jack. It's mildly aerobic and good for posture, building strength and mobility in the lower back, as well as toning calves and thighs.
Mick Bennett, a line teacher in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, says: "This is perfect for singles and an excellent way to get some exercise into your life."
Pros: good for the unfit because of the gentle pace
Cons: you don't have a partner
SALSA
This one is a fast-moving, sexy South American. Originally from Cuba, music from pop stars such as Gloria Estafan and Ricky Martin have made it popular with modern youngsters.
The salsa is always danced with a partner. It's close, using small steps and lots of hip movements to a fast Latin beat.
Look for a DVD set called Zumba fitness through Amazon.com. It'll have you movin', groovin' and shaking the weight off to sexy, exotic rhythms of salsa, cumbia, samba and more.. .
It has excellent cardio-vascular qualities - which means it raises the heart rate which strengthens the heart. It's also good for toning your legs, particularly the muscles in the calves, thighs and buttocks.
Tarna Newell, Salsa teacher at the Doreen Redmond Centre in Southampton, says:
"It's not as vigorous or physically demanding as rock'n'roll, but it's good aerobics and excellent for overall fitness."
Pros: great party trick
Cons: you need a partner you are happy to get close to
Ballroom
With these classes you'll learn to foxtrot, waltz, tango and quickstep. All are aerobic and good for stamina, but some are more demanding than others.Ballroom sharpens your agility, speed, and balance. It also increases your flexibility, strengthens your bones and cardio-vascular system and helps burn off excess calories.
It used to be a favourite of the more "mature" dancer, but films such as Strictly Ballroom and Object Of My Affection, starring Jennifer Aniston, have given ballroom an image makeover.
Doreen Redmond, owner of Redmond's Dance Centre, in Thornhill, Southampton, says: "The quickstep is very aerobic and really gets your heart pumping.
"A waltz is slower, but performing it well needs a lot of control through the legs and knees. This strengthens all the muscles in the lower body and the back, especially around the spine, making it excellent for posture."
Pros: excellent all-round exercise for all ages
Cons: make sure you push yourself with the faster dances
It is the fun way to get that regular physical activity recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General. So pick a step and a style and start moving to the music!
Stick with it, and you will see results!
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