It's been a long month for me and I apologize for the delay in posts. November has been a hectic month, mixed with both good and bad news. On November 3rd, my grandmother passed away. Although she was ill and lived a long life (to 93), her passing was not easy on me.
On a happier note, I am very excited about my new Zumba classes. I have a class every Saturday at 9am at Lady of America Fitness in Edison and every Sunday at 12:15 at CAN DO Fitness in Short Hills.
This month I read an interesting article related to physical fitness through dancing so I thought I'd devote this posting to the benefits of cardiovascular exercise through dance.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), dancing will help you lose weight, build and increase stamina, strengthen and tone muscles, relieve stress and improve mood (I can attest to this one), and increase flexibility and balance.
Dancing raises your cardio level and works every muscle in the body without constantly repeating and overusing the same muscle group.
The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2003 that found ballroom dancing was associated with a lowered risk of dementia. They attribute this to the mentally challenging aspects of dancing--following complex dance steps, moving in time, and keeping the beat. And, like all physical activity, dance tends to improve your nutrition and sleep, which in turn helps keep the brain active.
Now it's your turn. What are your favorite forms of exercise? Respond back to me and let me know if what gets you moving!
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3 comments:
Personally I enjoy kickboxing. It relieves a lot of stress for me. I took a Zumba class a few times at my last gym and I always left the class smiling and in a good mood. I am looking forward to your class on Sunday!
I love walking with friends!! I love dancing too - any kind! You've motivated me now to try Zumba!! I also like step aerobics (hehe, I'm a prodcut of the 80's) but only when it's a good routine and set to good music...of wich, I think music is in and of itself a great motivator! A good tune can get toes a tappin' anytime - anywhere. When you're unmotivated, try cracking up the tunes!! I think it really helps get you going. And the info about the ballroom dancers is very interesting - thanks for the tid bit!!
I love 3 things and for me they're the 'magic' combo that get results. i somehow try to fit them all in at least once or twice a week:
--strength training: to tone, build muscle
--running: good cardio, put on my ipod, it's almost a meditation for me
--yoga: stretching, flexibility, mind/body connection
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