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| OK, so we know that eating right and getting regular exercise are essential if we want to look and feel our best. If this is starting to sound like a broken record, it’s because virtually everyone agrees. If you haven’t started an exercise program, you have a greater risk of developing heart and circulatory problems, diabetes, and a host of other conditions. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be boring. Are you having a hard time getting motivated to work out? Maybe you need to stop thinking “exercise” and start thinking “party!” Right now, wherever you live, women are getting fit and they are having a blast doing it. Salsa, Zumba, Yoga Booty Ballet, and Hot Hula fitness are just some of the options available. You might wonder how a fun dance exercise could possibly be as beneficial as a more traditional routine. The answer is that it absolutely can. Zumba, for instance, is considered a low-impact form of aerobics that burns calories and works your heart and lungs. Dance improves cardio endurance and promotes weight loss. Since it is weight-bearing, your bone density is enhanced as well. Salsa might be a good place to start. It is reminiscent of the Mambo with its Latin and Afro-Caribbean sounds. However, Salsa involves more turns as you move to the drum beat, which has Spanish/Cuban influences. You might find a class or private lessons at a local dance studio. Though it is danced as a twosome, it’s not necessary to bring your own partner. If you think you’d like something less structured, Zumba may offer more latitude. Even if you don’t get the moves exactly right, you still will get your hips moving and benefit from the cardio workout. You’ll shake it to Latin rhythms with an international flavor. The music is said to put you in a good mood, revving you up and recharging your internal battery. As Zumba co-founder and CEO Alberto Perlman says, “Ditch the workout and join the party!” Interest in Zumba has grown exponentially across the country and around the globe. It originated largely by accident when an aerobics instructor forgot his usual recorded music and told his class, “Today is different.” The music in his bag was a mixture of merengue and salsa and his class loved it. According to an article on WebMD.com, Zumba has four million participants in 40 countries. There are even specialized classes for seniors and school-aged kids. You’ll probably find Zumba classes at a local gym or fitness studio. Check out a class and get ready to have a good time. All types of dance classes provide social interaction and healthy exercise. If you’ve always wanted to learn to do more traditional dances, check out the ballroom dancing options in your town. These partner dances might include broad categories such as classic ballroom, swing, country, or Latin. The Foxtrot, Tango, and Waltz are typical traditional offerings. In the swing category, you might learn the Hustle, Shag, or West Coast Swing. Country offerings often include two-step variations, a Waltz, or Polka. Under the Latin dance category, you’ll likely see dances such as the Salsa, Rumba, and Cha-cha. Establishments that teach ballroom dancing often sponsor free dances where you can make new friends. If you love music and the feeling of freedom you get from moving to the beat, this is worth a look. For those who enjoy something a little more exotic, there are plenty of options out there. There is everything from pole dancing to hula and belly dancing. Once again, the emphasis is on low-impact aerobics while having a great time. One option called Hot Hula fitness offers a total body workout. The hour-long class is designed to add strength to your core. You’ll dance to a Polynesian drum beat combined with a funky Reggae influence. Fans of this form say it aids in weight control and enhances general fitness. Join the dance craze and enjoy all the health benefits of aerobic exercise. You’ll improve your overall fitness, reduce your stress level, and you might even gain a new, fun wardrobe in the deal! If you crave a fun exercise routine but want more of a challenge, another option with similar results is a fitness boot camp. These are group classes taught indoors or outdoors. Many offer six- to 12-week sessions six days a week. Kickboxing, yoga, plyometrics, and kettle bells are often utilized during these classes. Fitness boot camps are designed to push participants harder than they would push themselves, and in that way resemble a military boot camp. This type of class has grown in popularity over the years because it is a low-cost way to get an efficient, fun, and challenging workout. Perhaps none of these activities sound appealing to you, but you still want to do something other than a traditional gym workout. If you are looking to improve your core strength and flexibility, pilates may be the right choice for you. There are several different types of pilates, including mat and Reformer, so do your research to find out which best-suits your needs. Pilates is popular because it works well for a wide range of people, from athletes looking to improve their abilities to those recovering from an injury. Pilates can help you gain flexibility, as well as help you get stronger, longer, and leaner. You can find pilates classes offered in both group and private settings inside gyms as well as at private studios. There are many great exercise options out there that will not only help improve your health, but that are actually fun! No matter what option you choose, find something you enjoy. The more you like the activity you’ve chosen, the more likely you will stick with it. After all, isn’t that the most important part? Sources for this story included: self.com, simplyantiaging.com, and webmd.com. |
Fun Fitness Workouts |
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