Dance is a great way to stay fit

Gone are the days when dancing was pursued only as a hobby or a childhood passion.

We all know how people today have made dancing a way of life because it comes with its own health benefits and it is an excellent way to remain fit! Today, people are taking up different forms of dancing as an interesting form of exercise. It is looked upon as a more exciting option than going to a gym.

"Dance does not follow a fixed pattern like exercise," says Akash Karnatki, owner of a famous dance academy. "It has a different routine every day. Every form of dance comes with its own set of benefits. Hip Hop is a very good cardio workout as it involves a lot of up and down body movements which need a lot of strength. Salsa is great for the upper body and it helps improve flexibility. B-Boying is best for building muscles as the moves are very athletic. Three minutes of dancing is as good as sprinting if you look at it in terms of calories lost."

Dancing also works wonders for people who have to follow fixed routine schedules. Saket Tibrewal, a young professional who enjoys doing Salsa, Tango, Samba, has been dancing for the last three years and finds dancing to be very refreshing. He says, "I go to my dance classes two days a week. Those two days are the refreshing days in the entire week. I suffered from backaches earlier, but ever since I started dancing, the backaches have gone. I can even walk long distances at a stretch without getting tired. Most importantly, dance works as a stress buster."

Dance is suitable for people of all ages to remain in perfect shape and size. Meeta Shah, a graphic designer, 40, has been regularly going to dance classes with her husband and son for the last seven years. She says, "Going to the gym or for morning walks is very boring.

Dance, apart from keeping me fit, helps me look much younger. It is a great way to socialize and meet new people. Even at my age, I can do Hip Hop with my son, isn't that great?" Classical dancing also comes with its health benefits. Vanita Nagarajan, teacher at a renowned dance academy says, "The different postures of Bharatnatyam, if done correctly, largely benefit the digestive system and one never faces any spinal problem. It helps pregnant women have a smooth delivery." Mahima Pandya, who has been practising Kathak for the last 11 years, says, "It really helps in toning the body and increase stamina.

It requires perfect mind and body synchronization, thus making it as good as any other exercise." "It is as good as yoga and increases concentration levels," adds Vanita. Akash also agrees with her and says, "Dancing requires concentration which helps the mind." No wonder then, dancing is the newest best way to reduce the monotony of gym workouts and remain in the pink of health.

Body basics

Bharatnatyam

Helps increase blood circulation Kathak Improves balance and helps combat arthritic pain

Bhangra

Strengthens the heart and regulates breathing

Salsa

Controls blood pressure

Belly dancing

Helps attain flexible muscles which helps in painless childbirth

Hip Hop

Increases stamina and helps losing extra flab