It's time to get moving and grooving. If you're one of those people stuck in a workout rut, just beat it with a fun-filled dance session. Even if you've got two left feet, we're talking about putting your best foot forward. It goes without saying that dancing is a magnificent mind and body workout, especially for those people who have a hard time getting motivated to exercise. An hour of dancing can burn as much as 442 calories. Or shaking your groove thang around the house for 30 minutes could burn between 150 to 200 calories. But the benefits go beyond calorie and fat-burning. It's not just weight loss, but overall health benefits as well. Like other aerobic exercises, dancing strengthens bones and muscles. It tones the body, while improving posture and balance. Dancing also increases flexibility and stamina and reduces stress and tension. Dancing fights off debilitating diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.
Research has also found that dancing can increase brainpower. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ballroom dancing twice a week reduced the risk of dementia. If dancing piques your interest, there is plenty of choose from, especially if you're looking for groups, classes or organized dance. Line dancing, tap, jazz, belly dancing, ballroom dancing, salsa dancing and clogging are popular genres you might want to explore. Although there are plenty of dance studios that cater to adults, you're not limited to just that option. Gyms offer classes such as hip hop, Zumba and more. The local YMCA or community centers also include group classes for a small fee. If you aren't comfortable busting a move in front of others, pop in a CD or even a DVD. You can participate along with an instructor and get busy in your own home.