Dance your way to slimness

Dance your way to slimness

If you’re one of those people for whom the mention of a gym immediately elicits a yawn, then you’ve come to the right place. Why don’t you give dancing a shot? It’s fun, it’s effective and it doesn’t feel like exercise!

Exercise doesn't have to mean walking endlessly to nowhere on a treadmill. There are much better ways of getting in shape and what can be more fun than dancing away those calories? Across the world and in India, new routines are constantly being created to get people off their butts and on the floor. Here are some options you can choose from.

Bhangra Dancing

Truth is there's more to bhangra than just raising your shoulders and screaming "balle balle"! This Punjabi folk dance is very vigorous and is excellent for the thighs and lower body. As an exercise, it gained prominence in the US a few years ago and is now also available in some health clubs across India. Try it as a fast-paced form of exercise and don't forget to end every session with a loud "OYE!"

Belly Dancing

Looking for something a little less frenzied and a little more sensuous? Then belly dancing is for you. Originally from Arabia, this dance form is excellent to increase flexibility and grace and is a low-impact work out for your entire body. Plus, you get to wear bells around your waist. Bet you can't do that on a treadmill.

Zumba

Zumba is a wildly popular aerobic dance workout that became really huge in the US. Originated in Colombia in South America, this exercise is done to the beat of Latin salsa and Merengue and is extremely high in energy. The idea behind it is simple - have fun, get fit. Zumba is now also available in India and is highly recommended for those who want to work out without even realising they're working out.

Bollywood Dancing

Live out all your dreams of being a Bollywood star and lose weight at the same time! Bollywood dancing is fun and crazy and high energy. You get to do all the filmy jhatkas and matkas and get your heart rate pumping at the same time. Besides, what other opportunity will you get to thump your chest wildly in a room full of people?

Pole Dancing

Once the domain of a seedy nightclub's stripper, pole dancing rose to prominence as a dance form when Hollywood actresses started doing to get into shape. Apparently, gliding up and down the pole is a great way to tone down and gain flexibility. The original S factor workout (as it is called) is a combination of yoga, ballet and striptease and is practiced by such celebrities as Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson and Britney Spears.

Just Dance!

It really doesn't matter what kind of dance you adopt, as long as you dance! Just put on your sneakers, switch on some high tempo music and go at it for at least 30 minutes. Work up a sweat, have fun and get into shape. It's that simple!

Source: India Syndicate