Dance Your Way to Better Fitness

Think the gym is the only place to get a good workout? Don’t rule out the dance floor, says Dave Dery, physical therapist and manager of Salem Hospital Employee Health and Fitness.

Dancing is wonderful cardiovascular exercise that elevates your mood because of the release of endorphins, according to Dery. And there’s another big plus: the enjoyment of being with people and having a good time.

There are many options other than ballroom dancing these days, and they don’t require you to find a dancing partner or wait on the sidelines to be asked. Classes give you the chance to enjoy such activities as folk, Irish, square and salsa dancing that are done as a group rather than in couples. You can join a roomful of people having fun without the pressure of pairing up.

Dery has participated himself and is enthusiastic.

“Recently I went to an Irish dance class. My only prior knowledge was watching ‘Riverdance,’ so I was unsure of the skill required. But the people were very welcoming, there were lots of different skill levels, and everyone had a good time and a good workout,” he recalls.

Even if you don’t want to venture out of your house, dancing is still a fitness option. Put on your favorite music and boogie around the living room (feel free to sing along, too). Have your young children join in whatever kind of dancing you choose—youngsters naturally like to connect with music and be part of group exercise.

“This is exercise that’s enjoyable and is also addictive in a good way,” says Dery. “Women are usually enthusiastic about it from the start; men take a bit longer. They may be reluctant to try dancing, but after a few classes they’re sold on it as well.”

How to find a place to dance
Dance events may take some tracking down, but the fun is well worth it. Among the ways to start looking:

• Check the community events listing in your local or campus newspapers.
• Check with a fitness club, local “Y” or local businesses that specialize in a certain country or culture. For example, you can learn about the Irish dance class in this story through Bridie’s Irish Faire in Salem.
• For folk dancing groups, consult www.folkdancing.org/oregon.html.