Could dancing be the key to weight loss? According to a new study, it just might be! Researchers at the University of Utah looked at how different types of dancing affected weight loss in adults. They found that those who danced regularly lost more weight than those who didn’t. In fact, the dancers lost an average of about five pounds over the course of a year! So if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s time you considered dance to lose weight.
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Dance And Weight Loss
Given below are the different types of dance and how they help in weight loss:
Zumba
Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that combines cardio and muscle-toning movements with upbeat music. It is great for weight loss because the fast-paced choreography keeps your heart rate up and burns calories quickly.
Studies have shown that people who practice Zumba can burn up to 600 calories in one hour. One study showed that participants lost an average of four pounds over the course of eight weeks. What’s more, they also increased their aerobic capacity and improved their overall health.
The best way to do Zumba is by attending a class, as the instructor will provide guidance and modifications for different levels of intensity. However, if you don’t have access to a class, there are plenty of videos online that can help you learn the basic steps.
Hip hop
Hip-hop is a high-energy dance style that incorporates moves from various other styles, such as jazz and breakdancing. The fast-paced choreography and upbeat music make it a great way to burn calories and lose weight. It’s also incredibly fun and the perfect way to express yourself.
One study showed that participants who took a hip-hop dance class burned an average of nine calories per minute during the 45-minute class. That translates to over 400 calories in one session. Similarly, another study showed that participants lost an average of three pounds over the course of six weeks.
Additionally, they also increased their endurance and flexibility. If you’re new to hip-hop, it can be helpful to start with a beginner’s class. This will allow you to learn the basics and get comfortable with the style before attempting more advanced choreography. There are also plenty of tutorials online that can help you learn specific moves or short routines.
Belly Dancing
Belly dancing is a beautiful and graceful dance form that has been practiced for centuries in many parts of the world. It is great for weight loss because the slow, controlled movements help you burn calories and build strength.
One study showed that participants who took a belly dancing class lost an average of two pounds over the course of eight weeks. Another study showed that the participants increased their flexibility and improved their overall body composition. Furthermore, the study also showed that the participants had improved posture, balance, and coordination.
If you’re interested in trying belly dancing for weight loss, it is best to take a class with an experienced instructor. They will be able to teach you the proper technique and provide modifications for different levels of intensity. Additionally, you can also check out online tutorials for beginner moves and short routines.
Salsa
Salsa is a Latin-style dance that incorporates quick steps and turns. It is great for weight loss because it keeps your heart rate up and burns calories quickly. Studies have shown that participants who took a salsa class burned an average of 11 calories per minute during the class. That translates to over 500 calories in one session!
Additionally, the participants also reported improved coordination and balance after just two classes. So if you’re looking for a fun way to burn calories and improve your coordination, salsa is a great option.
If you want to get started with salsa, it’s best to attend an instructor-led class. This will give you the opportunity to learn the basics and pick up on some of the more advanced choreography. However, if that isn’t an option, there are plenty of tutorials available online.
Ballet
Ballet is a classical dance style that emphasizes grace and control. It may not seem like an obvious choice for weight loss, but the slow, precise movements help you build strength and endurance. Studies have shown that participants who took a ballet class lost an average of five pounds over the course of six weeks.
Additionally, the participants also reported improved posture and balance after just two classes. So if you’re looking for a low-impact activity to help you lose weight, ballet is a great option.
If you want to get started with ballet, it’s best to find an instructor-led class. This will give you the opportunity to learn the proper technique and pick up on some of the more advanced choreography. However, if that isn’t an option, there are plenty of tutorials available online.
How Does Any Form Of Dance Help In Weight Loss?
Dance is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. The physical movements involved in dance target several major muscle groups, which help to tone the entire body. Given below is the explanation of how dance helps in weight loss.
Burns calories
A single hour of dance can burn up to 400+ calories. This helps you reach your desired weight loss goal faster. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that Zumba helped people lose almost 2.5 kgs over 8 weeks without changing their dietary habits. Similarly, another study found that a combination of aerobic exercise and dancing helped people lose 4.4 kg over 12 weeks. Furthermore, dancing has been found to be more effective than traditional aerobic exercises.
Improves balance and coordination
Dancing helps develop good balance and coordination which is essential for any physical activity. By practicing complex dance moves, you train your body to move in sync with the music and the rhythm. This helps improve agility, coordination, and balance. Studies have also shown that dance can help improve posture and reduce injury risks, which helps in weight loss. Moreover, dancing also helps improve your mental performance.
Increases flexibility
Dance requires a lot of stretching and flexibility to perform complex moves. Thus, it helps improve the flexibility of your muscles and joints, which can help reduce pain caused by tension. Studies have shown that increased flexibility also helps in weight loss. One study found that women who practiced yoga for 12 weeks lost 3 kgs more than those who did not practice. Flexibility is related to weight loss in a way that it helps improve your performance in any physical activity and helps you target more muscles. In addition to this, improved flexibility might also reduce the risk of strain and injury, thus enabling you to exercise for longer.
Improves cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health is an important factor in weight loss. Dance helps improve cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate, which helps to burn more calories and fat. Studies have also found that dancing helps reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure levels in people. A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that dancing helps improve the performance of the heart and reduces fatigue. Cardiovascular health favors weight loss by allowing you to exercise for longer with greater intensity, thus helping you reach your weight loss goals faster.
Improves mental health
Dancing is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that dancing helps release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help improve mood and reduce depression. Stress has been linked to weight gain, so reducing it can help with losing weight. Dancing also helps boost confidence, which can also be beneficial in your weight loss journey. What’s more, it is a fun activity that you can enjoy with friends, family, or by yourself.
Strengthens muscles
Dancing requires you to use your entire body, thus helping to strengthen your muscles and improve muscle tone. This helps to boost your metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss. Studies have found that strength training combined with aerobic exercises is even more effective than either one alone for weight loss. A study published in the journal Obesity found that dance combined with strength training helped people lose more weight than either one alone. Besides, it can also help improve posture, which is important for weight loss. All in all, dancing helps you strengthen your muscles and lose weight faster.
Provides a great workout
While other forms of cardio exercises can become quite monotonous, dancing is something you can do while having fun. Studies have found that people who dance are more likely to stick with their exercise routine than those who do not. Moreover, dancing provides a great full-body workout and helps target all the major muscle groups in your body, providing you with a comprehensive workout. This helps you burn more calories and achieve your weight loss goals faster.
Dancing is an excellent way to lose weight. It is also much more enjoyable than traditional exercises and can be done by anyone regardless of age or fitness level. So if you’re looking for an effective way to shed some extra pounds and have fun at the same time, then dancing may be just what you need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dancing is an effective way to lose weight. It helps improve flexibility and cardiovascular health, boosts mood and energy levels, strengthens muscles, and provides a great full-body workout. Furthermore, it is also fun and enjoyable which can help keep you motivated on your weight loss journey. So if you’re looking for an effective exercise that will help you lose weight and have a great time doing it, then dancing may be the right choice for you.
Consider contacting FitMantra for additional information on nutrition and fitness. You can also get in touch with their nutrition experts through our online nutrition counseling, who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your fitness goals. You can also lose weight with the help of our weight loss program. Download our Fitness app on Android to learn more about us.