Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough perform on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."
With the recent explosion of Zumba dance classes and dance-based TV Shows, it is evident many are starting to see the health benefits associated with dancing.
An article written by Shannon O’Brien of the Herald News this week discusses the trend of the “dance fever” incorporated in TV shows which showcase celebrities, and the physical and mental health benefits that come with dancing.
Referencing the well-known shows “Dancing with the Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, and “Live to Dance”, the article converses the recent trend of everyday people and celebrities dancing to get in shape. O’Brien describes the latest body transformations of stars such as Kelly Osbourne on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and the positive impacts dancing can have on anyone.
She presents dance “enthusiast” Gene Weiser of Springfield, IL. , a dancer who she says, “is an example of how dancing can benefit health.” Although Weiser did not train as hard as celebrities on these shows, he experienced a strengthening of muscles around his knee from dancing three to four times a week. His dancing eventually helped him avoid an expected knee replacement.
O’Brien continues the article with an explanation of other benefits of dancing, by presenting Dr. Careyana Brenham, an associate professor of family and community medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. O’Brien reports that Brenham stresses the importance of the “fun factor” associated with dancing.
Brenham explains how dancing helps with both memory skills from learning step combinations, and improving balance and stretching abilities. She also stresses how much energy can be derived from dancing, and how it does more overall than just help people get into shape.
O’Brien finishes with the story of Marilyn Ferry, a president of a dance club in Illinois. Ferry says how dancing helped her after her divorce. She gives a personal account of going out country dancing during the evenings with friends. These evenings made her feel better, and allowed her to connect with friends again, she says.
One thing’s clear, the recent explosion of dancing in the media and its mental and physical health benefits is something to be recognized. The dance “fever” inevitably continues to grow as waistlines continue to shrink.
Photo by ABC from heraldnews.com
9:13 pm - 5-24-2011
I think it is a good idea. Nowadays everyone is looking for the easy way. i.e. I want to eat anything, don`t do any regular exercise and be in good shape! Unless you are genetically lucky then it isn`t going to happen. I have seen people that just don`t have the willpower to lose weight but after having a dance fitness they really lost lots of weight.
2:23 am - 5-28-2011
Dancing is a great way to lose weight. Not only do you burn calories, you also improve your coordination. If only more overweight people could see this.
2:32 pm - 6-4-2011
The major key to success in anything we do, is IF we enjoy doing it. Which is why most diets do not work. Most weight loss programs have the the connotation of work. This enjoyment aspect is the big advantage dance has over the other regimented forms of staying fit and healthy. People actually look forward to it.
Besides, any dancer, even casual ones, would talk you how rigorous an exercise, dancing is-not rigorous in the sense of being tired and spent, but rigorous in the same sense as when you play with your kids. No wonder it is a beautiful way to lose weight and stay in shape
2:13 am - 7-25-2011
Nice article.
You could say dances fitness to lose weight. This is due to dance can help out a lot of energy. So the dance can also form the body.
Thanks for your sharing.
3:25 am - 7-26-2011
Dance sounds a wonderful way to exercise for weight loss and to get fit. What could be more fun? It is also a good way for you push yourself for perfection in your dance routine!
4:43 pm - 9-1-2011
Hi
Thanks so much for posting this article, i found it very helpful
and send my friends here to read it also.
Thanks again.
James
4:31 pm - 9-25-2011
Dancing exercises almost every part of the body. True, there is a dancing “craze” sweeping television, but the number of overweight people is still on the rise. There are no shortcuts to losing weight. Losing weight requires discipline, and a commitment to change ones lifestyle, especially when it comes to nutrition.
To lose weight and keep it off, good nutrition must be complemented with regular exercises, adequate amount of sleep/rest, a positive outlook on life, and reduction in caloric intake.