by Shaz Slaughter

Created on: March 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 01, 2012

Many people want to get into shape, but don't want to go to the gym or run or do anything they consider boring. Let's be honest with ourselves, if something is boring you don't want to do it. The fact remains the best way to lose weight is to get up and get active. But what if there was a way to be active, lose weight and still have fun?

If you have ever thought about losing weight but just can't seem to stick to a routine or you just can't lose any more weight or if you just want something different to do, why not try dancing?

Regardless of the style of dance, have you ever noticed that all professional dancers have flat mid-sections and really tight bodies? Do you think it is because they watch what they eat and workout in the gym 5 times a week?

No, if fact most dancers have the worst eating habits and they eat the worst foods for them, but because of the amount of energy they need to get through a day at practice they burn off most of that food within a matter of minutes.

There are many different varieties of dance from salsa to hip-hop to choose from. The music and steps for each type of dance are different but the one thing they all have in common is they will give you a total body workout.

Since all forms of dance require repetitive unsupported movements of the arms and legs, the muscles in your arms and legs have to become stronger in order to do the same movements over and over again. Because you are doing so much extra movement and forcing muscle growth, your body now needs fuel to support the extra movement and growth.

Where does the body get fuel from? Many of you may already know the answer, but I'll say it anyway, your body uses calories to supply all of the body's muscles with energy to move. The long and short of the story is by dancing you start burning more calories which will probably lead to a little weight loss or maybe even a drop in dress sizes.

The most amazing thing about dance whether it is ballet or tap is the almost instant effect it has on your midsection. Because dance relies heavily on posture you are forced to hold yourself upright.

Many people think dancers hold themselves upright and in good posture because they want to look pretty when the reality is, forcing your body upright makes moving and breathing a whole lot easier. Many times dancers are in such a habit of having good posture they do not realize they are still holding themselves upright.

Now that you know all the benefits of dancing, why not go out and take a dance class a few times a week. Not because you could lose some weight, but because it could be fun and you like doing stuff that's fun, right?

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