It has always been a topic of controversy whether dance and fitness are inter-related. Dancing can not only lift your spirits but also make it soar, uniting cultures and traditions. Yes, dancing can be magical and transforming. Dancing has always been a means of entertainment, recreation and communication. People who developed a keen interest in dance have dedicated their lives to this performing art. The dance floor offers an exhilarating alternative to the drudgery of the gym, and experts say sticking to an exercise regime is easier when it’s not a chore.

Dance can mean a lot more than just showcasing cultural nuances. The different movements and steps bring about so much energy usage that dancing becomes a beneficial exercise that keeps you fit.

It also offers an activity for people who may not consider themselves as ‘sporty’. The benefit of dance is not only that of increased exercise, but the participation in an art form, which is routed in technique, and giving the opportunity for a creative outlet.

The art of dance requires a great amount of flexibility. Most dance classes begin with a warm-up including several stretching exercises. Dancers must strive to achieve full range of motion for all the major muscle groups. The greater the range of motion, the more muscles can flex and extend.

Building strength by forcing the muscles to resist against a dancer’s own body weight is one of the other advantages of dance. Many styles of dance, including jazz and ballet, require jumping and leaping high into the air. Jumping and leaping require tremendous strength of the major leg muscles.

Dance is physical exercise. Exercise increases endurance. Endurance is the ability of muscles to work hard for increasingly longer periods of time without fatigue. Regular dancing is a great way for improving endurance, especially vigorous dancing such as line and ballroom dancing.

Dancing is not only an artistic hobby but an excellent exercise to burn calories and stay fit. Regular dancing is great for losing weight, maintaining strong bones, improving posture and muscle strength, increasing balance and co-ordination and beating stress.

One of the best things about dancing is that while you’re having fun moving to music and meeting new people, you’re getting all the health benefits of a good workout.

If you’re tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy it may be time to kick up your health because dancing can help:

• • Dance keeps both the body and the brain active, vital for people of every age
  • Dance offers a way to improve strength and flexibility, which helps keeps muscles and joints healthy
  • Choosing to start a new hobby can help you meet new people and make friends with people who have similar interests
  • Dance helps you learn about your body, improving your posture and balance
  • Taking time out in the day to partake in a hobby can help to reduce stress levels
  • Dance can offer insight into other cultures, either through the dance style itself or meeting new people
  • Dance can lead to new career opportunities, or help build vital communication skills needed in every profession
  • Participating in dance can help increase your self esteem and confidence through mastering new skills
  • Dance offers a creative outlet for people to express their personalities in a safe environment
  • Dance is a fun way to open up to new possibilities, keep healthy and enjoy yourself