Weight Loss Wednesday

Dancing for Fitness by Rachel Sturtz, Prevention courtesy of Yahoo! Health

Dance is hot!

More than 24 million people tune in weekly to shows like Dancing with the Stars. Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance workout, attracts 10 million-plus participants weekly. Last year, even Congress got into the act, officially recognizing July 31 as National Dance Day.

All the attention isn't surprising when you consider that a good beat can get just about everyone tapping their feet or swinging their hips. Moving to the music subtracts stress and adds joy. You're not counting reps or watching the clock. You're out meeting people; it's entertainment.

But dance is also a total-body workout that has all the benefits of a long run or a session on the elliptical—and then some. In a 1-hour class, you can burn as many as 400 calories. Do that 3 times a week and you could drop nearly 20 pounds in a year without dieting. You'll also tone nearly every muscle in your body, improve balance, and boost brainpower.

You've seen what dance can do—some DWTS contestants have lost more than 40 pounds, all while having a great time. You can do it too, even if you have two left feet or achy joints. Most adult beginner classes are gentler than ones for traditional types of exercise. You just need to find the right dance style for you, says Deborah Vogel, dancer and director of the dance education Web site The Body Series.

Click here to see the entire article and suggested dance styles that will help you drop those unwanted pounds.

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