How dancers lose weight
The 8 Best Weight Loss Tips For Serious Dancers — Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles
Why do you dance?
Well, I dance for the same reason that I live, which is the mind, the body and the soul! I believe that for the serious dancer, dancing should be a way of life. How can you be in true harmony with life, if you only have the mindset of a dancer, the spirit of a dancer, but ...you are out of shape and/or overweight?
(Oops! I can hear it now, a lot of angry folk yelling at me for what I just said!)
But think about it...
True dancing should cater to the overall essence of your existence which is being in harmony with your life. When one of these elements, the mental, spiritual and physical, is out of balance it is almost impossible to give yourself IN FULL to your audience.
So I ask again, why do you dance?
You see, it is your responsibility, as a dancer, to deliver the HIGHEST VALUE and RESPECT to your audience, by keeping your physical body as healthy, fit and beautiful as possible. How can you deliver your BEST performance if you are out of shape? Think of it as if you were an Olympic athlete who is going for the gold!
Now, if you are just starting out, or have not danced for several years, it's normal to be out of shape or overweight. It's not a bad thing, and I'm not here to talk down to anyone. But, if you are serious about this profession, then you understand the importance of delivering to your audience the VALUE they deserve, which is your BEST you!
So, to help you out, what I have done below is listed the "8 Best Weight Loss Tips for Serious Dancers."
#1 DRINK 10 GLASSES OF WATER DAILYDancers should drink at least 10 glasses of water daily. Drinking water can boost your body's ability to burn fat. Studies show that drinking water increases a person's metabolic rate by 30% and that even mild dehydration can slow down metabolism by as much as 3%. Studies also show that drinking water before meals can help fill you up so that you don't overeat.
#2 GET A LEAST 8 HOURS OF SLEEP DAILY
Being short on sleep can most definitely affect your weight. When you lack sleep you might be tempted to skip exercise, or in your case, dance rehearsal (too tired). A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when people are in need of sleep, late night snacking increases, and they are more likely to choose high-carb snacks. A sleepy brain and body appears to crave junk food and lacks the impulse control to say no to certain foods.
#3 FAST 14-16 HOURS PER DAYFasting is a great method for losing weight. When I say fasting, I don't mean to say that you're not going to eat anything for days. There is a method to be followed. Fast for 14 (women) to 16 (men) hours each day, and then “feed” for the remaining eight to 10 hours.
During the fasting period, you consume no calories, though black coffee, calorie-free sweeteners, diet soda and sugar-free gum are permitted. What and when you eat during the feeding window also depends on when you workout. On days you exercise, carbs are more important than fat. On rest days, fat intake should be higher.
If it existed 10,000 years ago, it good for you. If it didn't exist 10,000 years ago, then most likely it's bad for you. Some examples include, meat, fish, veggies, fruits, fats, nuts, and seeds. Protein consumption should be fairly high every day, though it will vary based on goals, gender, age, body fat and activity levels.
#5 STRENGTH TRAINThere are so many benefits of strength training.
Strength training helps keep weight off for good. Strength training translates to more calories burned because you'll burn calories while you're strength training, and your body will continue to burn calories afterward through a process called "physiologic homework." Additionally, it will help you build lean muscle mass and lean muscle will burn fat faster. More calories are used to maintain muscle than fat. Strength training also boosts your metabolism up to 15 percent!
Top athletes and dancers recognize the importance of stability exercises because it helps them perform better. These exercises benefit your neuromuscular coordination. In other words, they help improve communication between your brain and muscles. Stability exercises also help with muscle isolation and help you burn more calories because your body has to work much harder to stabilize. Something that is also very exciting about these exercises is that they help with core stabilization which translates to better coordination, athletic skill, and POSTURE.
Pilates truly is whole-body fitness. Pilates exercise focuses on core strength which is absolutely necessary for a dancer's movement. You have to have core strength to be a good dancer. Pilates helps build strength and helps develop balanced muscle movement as well as flexibility. Doing Pilates will also help you build strength without bulk and before you know it, you'll have a long and lean appearance.
#8 DO CARDIO AT LEAST 30-60 MINUTES/DAYCardio is absolutely necessary to lose weight and live a healthy life. You should do at least 30-60 minutes of cardio on the days when you don't have rehearsal. Another reason to perform cardio is for its effects on your metabolism. Along with speeding up your heart rate, cardiovascular exercise also increases the rate of other processes in your body, AKA YOUR METABOLISM.
Now, you wanna burn fat without spending a lot of time at the gym? Then, do some HIIT Training! HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training and it's one of the best ways to burn fat off your body. You can do this outdoors jogging or at the gym on any cardio machine. Just do this for 20 minutes and no more. You're basically going to sprint for one minute and then jog for a minute. Then sprint for a minute and then jog for a minute and you keep doing this until the 20 minutes are up. Try it out. And be ready to sweat!
So remember, if don't feel as confident as you would like to on stage, stop wishing you looked and moved a certain way and start doing. I'll leave you with some words of encouragement.
Believe in yourself. I believe in you!
Maestra Kareli =)
P.S.
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5 forms of dance that will help you lose weight
Dance is said to be as old as time itself.
It is art. It has thrived and advanced elaborately over the millennia. Usually used to express oneself, dance is now being popularized as a weight loss routine. If you want to lose weight and have fun, dancing is the answer. Usually, an average human should have a 30-minute long physical exercise session- at the minimum. Dancing is a cardio exercise, therefore making it ideal for weight loss, the same as jogging.
Many celebrities use this as a form of workout. If they have to perform somewhere, they even skip their daily gym, knowing they are covered because they dance it out!
Dancing moves your entire body, making it fit and flexible. Plus, it makes you feel good. There are several dance forms, and each one takes a different toll on your body- for each routine, the calorie burn is different.
Table of contents
- Dance forms
- Where you can find them
- Things to know
- Start your dancing journey
- Steps to dancing at home
- Common questions asked by beginners
- Summary
Listed below are the most popular dance forms used as an exercise by people around the world
1.
ZumbaSuggested time: 1 hour
It is a mixed dance of salsa and merengue, which focuses on the entire body.
2. Hip Hop
Suggested time: 1 hour.
A very intensive routine that focuses on the hips and waist.
3. Belly Dance
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
An Exotic dance form, which focuses on the hips, back, buttocks and abs.
4. Freestyle
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Move free. Do not worry about the exact dance steps or body movements. Set your own pace.
5. Pole Dance
Suggested time: 1 hour.
Pole dancing is a form of dance that is effective in toning muscles and shaping your body. However, this dance form is considered to be a bit difficult to master.
There are a lot of dance classes being offered for kids and adults. Several gyms offer aerobics and Zumba classes. If you’re uncomfortable dancing in public, you can download an app for dance workouts, or watch videos that help you learn and train.
Things to know
Dance as a weight-loss medium is a great idea. But before you get into it, make sure you know everything about it. Intensity level of dance forms depend on the routine you choose. Fast-moving dance styles are more intense than slower dances. Most dance routines use your whole body and will challenge your brain as you learn the choreography and form and learn to keep up.
Most common marked areas in your body while dancing:
Core
Core muscles are the deepest muscles of your body. Depending on the type of dance chosen, some of the steps and moves will employ the core muscles.
Arms
Even though most dances focus on your lower body, you’re also moving your arms to the beat.
Legs
The dance routine will have you making moves that work your lower body, including your thigh muscles and hamstrings.
Buttocks
Hip hop, belly dancing and ballet, among others, include moves that engage the buttocks.
Back
Dance uses your core muscles, including those in your back.
Also helps improve:
Flexibility
Most of the dance workouts include moves that improve your flexibility.
Raises heart rate
Dancing raises your heart rate, improves your breathing. The more upbeat the dancing style, the better it is for your heart.
Strength
Even though you aren’t lifting weights, you are lifting yourself up- bodyweight counts, that helps in building muscle strength.
Start your dancing journey
1. Set a goal. Know your goal. Remember your goal.
Choose the dance form. Choose something you love doing so you’ll be less likely to drop out. Set a time limit. Know your comfort zone- it’s okay to push your boundaries a bit, but not too much. Step up your game steadily for more and positive progress.
2. Tag along someone OR tag someone along
When you’re with someone, you either motivate them or they motivate you.
If you think you’ll end up quitting midway, have someone with you who’ll get you back on track.
3. Dress proper
You move your entire body in dance. Wear the right shoes, so your feet don’t get hurt. And wear clothes that are not too tight nor too lose- comfortable. Women, especially, need to make sure they are in the right outfit that holds and protects their breasts from bobbing too much.
4. Warm-up
Stretch and loosen up before you start dancing, just like you would for any other workout. Warming up makes sure your muscles are ready for the routine. If you don’t, you might pull a muscle and get hurt.
Steps to dancing at home
Many aren’t all that comfortable dancing in public spaces, even a studio. Learning to dance at home is really great. You can work at your own pace. No matter what, it is important to make sure that you are dancing safely and not pushing your body too hard. If you want to do it at home, here are some tips that will help you out.
Follow these steps and dancing at home will be a breeze!
1. Pick a style
Browse through the various styles- look at videos online, watch dancers perform or read articles and books, and pick one that suits you. Explore as many different dance styles as you can before fixing on one.
2. Set your space
Clear a large area in your house so you can move freely without hitting furniture in the middle of your steps. Cramped space will cramp your style. Set your video in a place where you can see it without disrupting your routine too much.
3. Master the basics
Before you go full-on into the dance, learn the basic moves. For hip hop, practice the basic step touch move. For ballet, learn the five positions. Spin a partner around for ballroom dancing. Whatever it is, take it nice and slow. Do not over pace yourself.
4. Learn the routine
You will probably have to watch the video you chose multiple times and practice before you get the hang of it.
Once you do, the steps will flow. Dance in front of a mirror to see how you’re doing and how you can improve.
5. Get in the groove
Make sure to warm up before you dance. Move your arms and legs to the beat. The more you dance, the more at ease you will be. Maybe one day you’ll be confident enough to go dancing with your family or friends!
6. Keep up the routine
Do not do it for a couple of days and give up. If you’re too tired, reduce the time and take breaks in between. If your plan is a one-hour routine, take a break every 20 minutes.
7. Eat Healthy
Last but not least, make sure your diet goes well with your routine. Your body exerts a lot during the dance, so have a balanced diet to compliment that. You sweat a lot, so drink plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Can you start if you’ve never danced?Yes. There are dance classes and videos for beginners.
If you’re just starting out, give yourself time and have the patience to learn the moves. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you keep at it.
Most dance classes are taught in studios. If you have some empty space at home, where you can sweat it out a bit, go for it!
Do I need to get something specific for my dance workout?Sometimes. Not usually. Some classes will require specific shoes- like ballet; for others like hip hop, all you need are sneakers. You will obviously need a pole for pole dancing.
Can I dance if I have a health condition?If you have any medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, take note on how you feel before, during, and after dancing. If it is stressing you out too much, consult your doctor once. If you have an injury, let it heal before you start dancing.
Summary
Depending on the style of dance you choose, you can improve your heart, joints, overall strength, balance and coordination, and a sense of well-being.
If you can’t afford classes, try a dance workout DVD or follow an online video at home. Happy Dancing!
Tags: belly dancingcore strengthDancedance to lose weightDancing for weight lossflexibiltyhip-hopzumba
Is it possible to lose weight with the help of dancing - an excellent means for losing weight
Contents
Getting rid of extra pounds is one of the tasks that many girls set themselves when they enroll in a dance studio, while most of us associate weight loss with grueling workouts in the gym, rather than with exciting activities on the floor. So can you lose weight with dancing? Let's jump ahead and answer right away: yes, but only with an integrated approach and the support of a qualified trainer-teacher. You can easily find a real professional who will help both with motivation and with the tactics of burning excess in our club.
How to lose weight by dancing
There is no secret here: our body gets rid of its stores of stored fat when it expends more energy than it consumes.
Therefore, we can do this in two ways: increase the load or create an energy deficit (that is, reduce the number of calories consumed). And if you do both, it's a combo! The body itself will not notice how it begins to lose excess. At the same time, dancing as an effective physical activity and a method of losing weight is best suited: here is the music that cheers you up and makes your heart beat faster, and your favorite hobby, and the motivation to be more successful in your dance group. Yes, the mere fact that, having signed up for a dance, you have to leave the house once again to come to class, it will help to burn calories.
Sign up for a trial lesson
How it works
Here's what will happen in your body while you move on the floor: first of all, metabolism is activated. The body will burn calories intensely for several hours after a workout. During this period, it is advisable to drink more fluids, but do not take heavy meals, so as not to interfere with the "magic" process of losing weight.
With regular dancing, the lymphatic system normalizes its work, and this is getting rid of all kinds of edema and the ill-fated cellulite. The result will not be long in coming: the skin will tighten, the muscles will tone up, and the silhouette will become clearer and, of course, more feminine. In addition, dancing is a great exercise for the heart, and if you used to suffer from shortness of breath, it will pass soon after regular training.
Here are some more pleasant "bonuses" from dancing:
- You lose weight in a pleasant company, supporting each other and not being left alone with your "extra" kilograms;
- Many dance exercises work those muscles that are difficult to "touch" even in the gym;
- In any case, you get a strengthened muscular corset, which means an even posture, a toned stomach and tight hips;
- Unlike many other sports, there are practically no contraindications for dancing, and even if you have health problems, you can choose the right direction;
- Dancing is the optimal combination of strength and cardio workouts, which is considered the most suitable for the fat burning process, and due to the alternation of periods of tension and relaxation, your workouts will come closer to the intervals that are now so popular in gyms.
In addition, if you came to a special studio, it means that you are not indifferent to classes, and these are increased chances that you will not give up training and losing weight halfway, but continue to dance even when the desired result is achieved.
Experts even identify five areas that are the best helpers for those who want to lose weight:
- Strip plastic and pole-dance include both power and aerobic loads, as well as stretching and acrobatics. Naturally, all this forces the body to train in an enhanced mode. Weight loss guaranteed! It should be borne in mind that classes in this direction do not begin at all with an approach to the pole, but with the development of basic exercises that strengthen the muscles of the whole body. They say that even those parts of the body that I had not suspected before begin to work.
- Reggaeton is a direction that requires good physical preparation and a trained body. Energetic dance replaces full-fledged cardio.
Plus - increased load on the legs, hips and buttocks. - Belly dance. Great for those who want to tighten the muscles of the body and see the long-awaited press. In "shaking" the whole body is strengthened, and calories are burned due to energetic movements. In addition, belly dancing is believed to work the thighs and buttocks, toning them without boring squats and lunges. Worth a try!
- Irish step - this trend has become one of the top leaders for weight loss, maybe unexpectedly, but quite justifiably: it is believed that such activities completely replace jogging in the park. The upper body in the Irish step is almost not involved, but the legs work out to the fullest.
- Flamenco - provides the body with a uniform load. This direction trains all major muscle groups, toning them and correcting the feminine silhouette. Flamenco is a very energetic dance that will not let you get bored during class. And it is also very useful for the spine and, as a result, a beautiful posture.
All Latin dances and jazz modern also got into the top ideal for weight loss dance styles.
Do not expect from dancing that you will start to lose weight in some specific places. Belly dancing, for example, will not make you press "cubes", leaving your arms and legs as they were. Weight loss is a complex process, and the fat layer is burned throughout the body, and in problem areas - the slowest. But certain dance directions will be able to increase the physical load on specific parts of the body, where beautiful muscles will subsequently appear instead of “burnt” fat. Is this not a sporty fit figure?
How to speed up the process
Losing weight is not a quick process, but the first results can be seen after a few dance lessons. When you need to lose more than a couple of kilograms, you should think about proper nutrition, without which no fat burning is possible. The scheme is simple: we increase the load on the body and at the same time create a small calorie deficit.
When the body realizes that it needs more energy, it will take it not from incoming food, but from its own reserves.
Proper nutrition is not a meager diet at all, but only frequent small meals, increased amounts of meat, cereals and fiber, and a minimum of pastries and sweets.
It is worth considering another aspect of any weight loss. Regardless of which dance direction you have chosen to correct your figure, comprehensive self-care from the inside and out will help speed up the process. Namely - the correct drinking regimen (at least one and a half liters of clean drinking water per day), massage for the skin, moisturizing masks and body wraps. It is difficult to achieve results alone in the process of losing weight, but as an addition to dancing and proper nutrition, care will play the role of an accelerator.
For a pleasant weight loss, a company of like-minded people and a qualified mentor, please contact us!
Without sports: 6 types of dances for weight loss with video
Are you worried in advance how to get back in shape? Dancing is the most pleasant, emotional and interesting way to a beautiful figure.
But what kind of dances will help us find the perfect body the fastest?
Zumba
Zumba is not really a dance, it's more of a dance fitness. This is an aerobic workout based on rhythmic movements performed to incendiary music. It is a mixture of salsa, cumbia, flamenco, calypso, mamba, rumba. This is not only useful and energy-intensive, but also really fun!
Effect. Training involves all muscles, but the main load falls on the lower body - legs and buttocks. Zumba develops plasticity, flexibility, endurance, trains the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and, of course, improves mood.
How much can you burn in an hour of training? 400-500 kcal.
Difficulties. None! In fact, this is the only type of dance for which you do not need any special physical training. At the end of the lesson, you do not need to combine the learned chords into a beautiful dance, you can improvise, and the coach will not force you to perfectly repeat all his movements.
You just dance, rejoice and get rid of extra pounds.
Here is a little workout so that you know what Zumba really is:
Pole dance
Pole dance (pole dance) will not only allow you to relax and surprise your loved one, but also lose weight. Classes include all types of load: power, aerobic, stretching, acrobatics. Pole dance is not a striptease, as many people think, but only its imitation. The main emphasis here is on the technique of execution, and it is worth noting that it is not easy.
Effect. Pole training tightens all muscle groups (the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle work, the abs and back muscles, legs and buttocks, as well as the calf muscles), improve flexibility, stretching, transform posture and gait. Exercise has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
After just a few sessions, you will notice that you have become more graceful, feminine, self-confident.
Pole dance helps to get rid of complexes, to feel attractive and sexy.
How much can you burn in an hour of training? 450-450 kcal.
Difficulties . You cannot master pole dancing in one, three or even five lessons. This is hard work that requires perseverance, aspiration, and patience. A beginner can start training, but it’s still better to have a good stretch right away. In addition, if you are a shy person in life, then you will need to force yourself to get rid of awkwardness and start dancing. But believe me: a beautiful and seductive body is worth your effort!
This short pole dance video will prove to you that pole dance is so much more than just an erotic dance.
Belly dance
Belly dance is one of the most sexy and sensual dances. Do you think it does not contribute to weight loss, since only the stomach is involved in it, and all movements are smooth? In fact, many muscle groups work during belly dancing, and this is a very effective way to tighten your figure and lose unnecessary pounds.
Effect. Of course, the abdominal muscles have the hardest time of all. The oblique muscles work especially actively, which can be difficult to reach even in the gym. In addition, the muscles of the shoulder girdle and back are strengthened, beautiful hips are formed, extra centimeters are removed from the waist. It is believed that belly dancing has a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system, and also normalizes metabolism. And of course, a woman performing a belly dance feels attractive, desirable and beautiful!
How much can you burn in an hour of training? 350-400 kcal.
Difficulties . Yes, belly dancing is far from the easiest dance direction, but at the same time, the load on the joints and ligaments during classes is minimal, which means that a woman of any age and any weight can master this dance. You can dance at least every day - you do not need rest between workouts to restore muscles.
Mesmerizing belly dance video:
Irish Step
If your main problem is fat legs, try Irish step. These dances will replace your running, jump rope, and step aerobics. During the dance, the legs actively work, the torso remains practically motionless, and the arms perform only smooth movements. All types of Irish dances are performed to traditional Irish melodies: reels, jigs, hornpipes.
Effect. This is the perfect dance for those who want to really pump up their legs. Relief, tightened, slender hips, calves, buttocks - this is the main result of Irish step classes. In addition, this type of dance helps to pump up the press, correct posture, develop the respiratory system and strengthen the heart muscle. The dance is very rhythmic, which means that at each workout you will have to sweat a lot, but, as you know, not only harmful substances, but also extra pounds go away with sweat.
How much can you burn in an hour of training? 500-600 kcal.
Difficulties. Irish music has a clear rhythm and requires precise steps, so if you don't know what the sense of rhythm is, it can be difficult for you to keep up with the pace of the dance.
Irish step is a serious dance that cannot be learned in a couple of practices. Keep in mind that you will master the Irish step faster if you have never practiced other dance styles. The fact is that classical choreographic training sometimes prevents the body from remembering the positions of Irish dances, so it’s better to start learning from scratch.
When you dance just like the girl in the video, you will not have a single extra gram left:
Latin American dances
Incendiary, energetic, emotional Latin American dances are definitely what you need to quickly burn fat .
Bachata, salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba, jive - the choice is huge! Fatigue, weakness, bad mood - these concepts simply do not exist when you dance salsa or rumba. In addition, most of the Latin American dances are performed in pairs, which means that during the dance you can’t be lazy so as not to let your partner down.
Effect. During the training, all muscle groups are involved, but the emphasis is on the abs, thighs and buttocks. You will learn to keep your back, monitor coordination, move plastically and feel your body. Latin American dances will tighten the figure and help get rid of extra pounds. And of course, incendiary dances are the perfect cure for the blues!
How much can you burn in an hour of training? 400-500 kcal.
Difficulties. Not everyone can perform movements at such a frantic pace as required by Latin American dances. You have to give 100% to see the result.
Take a look, would you like to dance samba just like professional dancers do?
We advise you to pay attention to bachata. Like all Latin American dances, it helps to open up, shake off complexes, strengthens the cardiovascular system and keeps the body in good shape.
Bachata is also quite simple in choreography (which is especially important for beginner dancers). So much so that even people with some physical features can perform it. Actually, bachata is known as a healing dance that helps strengthen muscles after injuries.
Flamenco
A dance that makes not only the legs thin, but the whole body. A passionate Spanish dance, flamenco sets a very fast pace, so that the process of losing weight will not seem monotonous and boring to you. In flamenco classes you will gain self-confidence, achieve harmony of soul and body and feel what it means to be truly free!
Effect. Flamenco classes teach you how to beat a fraction, keep your back straight and arch your hands. After a couple of months of training, the hips and buttocks lose weight, and the calf muscles acquire a beautiful relief.
