Dancing Can Be Fun Exercise

By Tom Herrin

When was the last time you danced?  Maybe you do so regularly, or maybe it is something you think you have outgrown.  Or maybe you always said you couldn’t dance.  You may enjoy watching it on television and think about how great those dancers are.  May I say that you are very likely not too old to dance and enjoy it.  The real upside of dancing is that it is really good exercise.  By the way, the excuse that you don’t have a partner is out the door.  There are plenty of dances that don’t require a partner, especially when you're alone at home. 

You Can Start At Home 

Some of us fear the embarrassment of being out in front of people.  There are plenty of programs you can watch on your television that mix dance with exercise.  They will give you a good start.  You can go at your own pace and do so alone if you want.  If you have a partner at home, get them out on the living room dance floor.  You can do that with very limited space.  The enjoyment you find dancing to just one song will surprise you.  The opportunity will be there to dance one, sit one out, and go at your own pace.

The Physical Benefits Are Real

The first thing you will notice about dancing is that you will get a cardio workout.  Don’t let that discourage you.  You will probably get a little out of breath after one dance.  That’s okay.  You can set a pace that works.  Build up slowly until you can do two or three dances in a row.  As you do that, you will begin to strengthen parts of your body you didn’t realize you worked.  Just watching those dancers on popular shows and commenting on their conditioning does not eliminate you as a contestant at home.  Burning calories while having fun can make it a lot easier.  We often neglect an important part of dancing, social development.  Interacting with someone else can be uplifting and improve your outlook on life.

Branch Out 

There are many organizations around that offer dancing.  It really won’t be so painful to join one as soon as you get a little practice at home.  Use those newfound skills.  That excuse about being too old doesn’t fly either.  I remember seeing that Hal Roach, who was one of the top producers and directors of old comedies would still go out dancing at the age of 100.  So let’s get on some good dancing shoes and hit the family room floor.  We’re going to have fun.