9 reasons to take a dance class

Recently I started taking Zumba classes at my local gym, which I had just joined. The first class I couldn’t keep up at all — neither my aerobic capacity nor my coordination were up to the task. After a few weeks I could do much better, and it has become one of my favorite parts of my week.

Here are 9 reasons why you should take a dance class:

You’ll move your body. That’s always a good thing, no matter your age or size or lifestyle.

You’ll get to listen to fun, upbeat music. One thing that keeps us young is listening to the music that’s popular at any given moment rather than staying stuck on what we listened to in college. Go to a gym dance class and you’ll keep current.

You’ll get to see what your body is capable of. No matter how out of shape you might be, I bet you can do some of the moves. You’ll surprise yourself — and that’s a nice thing!

You’ll be inspired. There is likely to be someone older and less in shape than you are … working harder than you are and having fun while doing it! If she can do it, well, so can you!

You’ll get your sexy back. When you slink from car to kitchen desk to bed and back … or maybe break up your journey with a run on the treadmill … well, none of that is very sexy, is it? Try making moves like you would on a dance floor instead!

You’ll get in shape. This is the obvious point about taking a dance class, and guess what? It works! You forget you’re exercising because you’re having fun, but then after a few weeks, you notice you’re slowly getting in shape.

You’ll improve your mood. Dancing while listening to fun music with a peppy teacher and a bunch of other women … what’s not to love?! You’ll release endorphins, a natural mood-booster.

You’ll get a chance to get a new workout ensemble. It’s fun to see what people are wearing in my Zumba classes. More than one woman in my class has great moves but wears what must be her husband’s sweats and T-shirt. Instead, get a cute dancy-type outfit. I promise you’ll like what you see in the mirror.

You’ll improve your self-confidence. Taking a risk, trying something brand new, and gaining mastery over it … these are great ways to boost our belief in ourselves and start giving ourselves the self-love we so richly deserve.

Ketura Persellin is an image consultant, writer, and public speaker in Washington, DC. Contact her to schedule a complimentary get-acquainted session.

4 Responses to “9 reasons to take a dance class”

1. Linda says:

   May 10, 2012 at 2:49 pm

   Glad I’m not the only one shaking her groove while doing dishes. My kids keep laughing at me. Today’s class was fun! I may be too sore tomorrow for Tanya!
2. Ketura says:

   May 10, 2012 at 2:52 pm

   It’s their job to laugh at us, isn’t it?
3. Maya says:

   May 11, 2012 at 12:10 pm

   There are other benefits to dancing, especially partner dancing. The Einstein Aging Study, summarized in June 19,2003, New England Journal of Medicine, found that dancing helps prevent dementia!

   The study included participants in six brain-stimulating hobbies – reading, writing for pleasure, doing puzzles, board games or playing cards, group discussions and playing music., plus 11 physical activities, including team sports, swimming, bicycling and dance.

   Dance was the only physical activity that benefited the brain. Researchers found that the relationship between the mind-stimulating effects of dancing remained strong even after they allowed for variables such as age, sex and education. Frequency of activity also was important! The need to learn and remember numerous dance movements produces a constant and very beneficial challenge to the brain.

   The study, by scientists at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Rush- Presbyterian- St.Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago appeared in the February 13, 2002, edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
4. Francine says:

   May 11, 2012 at 12:19 pm

   I took one zumba class, once. I was too embarrassed to go back!