These articles also appear in Dr. Miczak's syndicated columns for the Asbury Park Press and Greater Media Newspapers. For more information on dance, skating and athletic wear, visit Dr. Miczak's real time BLOG or web log at: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/drmiczak/.
Stay Fit with Dance
By Dr. Marie Miczak
If you're looking for a workout routine that doesn't feel like exercise, you might consider dancing. Unlike attending a regimented exercise class at your local health club, dance allows for rhythmic self expression and inner creativity. An aerobic exercise, it utilizes oxygen and burns fat while toning muscles. Typical forms available today include ballroom, ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz and even the latest hip-hop.
I spoke with June Lopez, director of the Turning Pointe Dance Centre. "We offer a summer intensive dance camp as an alternative to regular summer camp." This can be key to young women developing good exercise habits early on. Statistics show an alarming rate of increase in cases of type II or adult onset diabetes in children. Easy access to fast foods and lack of exercise are cited as the reasons for this phenomenon. The Turning Pointe offers mother-daughter and adult classes as well. Setting an example of fitness for your child is far more effective than hours of lecturing on its virtues.
If you've always envisioned yourself as more of the romantic type caught up in the Tango or classical Waltz, ballroom dancing may be for you. Lessons don't necessarily have to be expensive either. Contact your local dance school or look for group lessons held at civic centers and libraries. Ginger Rogers never had it so good!
If you become even more ambitious, you can learn ballroom dance patterns on skates. Many roller rinks offer adult organ music skating to the Progressive Tango, Glide Waltz and many other steps. You don't need a partner and dance skating is likewise an enjoyable, elegant form of exercise.
One dancer's secret you won't want to be without is Weleda's Arnica oil or gel. Arnica oil is excellent to massage sore muscles and tired feet. Arnica gel brings immediate relief from bumps and helps prevent bruising after a fall. Look for it at your local healthfood store.
