As stated by Dr. Pablo Berenguel, head of the Physical Activity Group of the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG), dancing is a healthy and healthy method to lose weight progressively . "Because it is an aerobic exercise, it helps us consume calories and strengthen our muscular system, since thanks to its multiple steps and movements we exercise a great diversity of muscle groups."
According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, an aerobic dance program is just as helpful for weight loss as cycling and jogging. In addition, compared to exercise, dancing has the advantage that it is a social and fun activity , which means that its practice is prolonged over time and that the risk of abandonment is lower.
WHICH DANCE SLIMMERS THE MOST?
The number of calories we burn will depend on the type of dance and how often we dance. Thus , ballroom dancing involves an exercise of moderate intensity, similar to vigorous walking, and its practice for an hour consumes around 220 calories. On the other hand, there are other types of much more intense dance such as zumba that constitute an exercise similar to that done when swimming with intensity or running and that can burn up to 800 kcal.
Regarding the frequency, it is advisable to do at least 3 sessions a week of one hour each. And obviously, if our goal is to lose weight, we must accompany the dance practice with a balanced diet.
GOOD FOR THE BODY AND MIND
In addition to helping you lose weight, dancing has multiple beneficial effects on health . It improves circulation and strengthens the lungs, joints and back, in addition to controlling blood pressure and the rest of the cardiovascular risk factors. On the other hand and on a mental level , dancing makes us secrete endorphins that promote well-being and reduce stress, and also improves memory and prevents dementia and Alzheimer's.
WHAT KIND OF DANCE DO I CHOOSE?
Teresa Gaztañaga, expert in Sports Medicine and member of the Spanish Society of Sports Medicine (FEMEDE) advises choosing the type of dance that we like the most. All dances, even the calmest ones, move muscle groups and are an important activity.
Even so, there are those that tone some areas more than others or that work more or less on balance, flexibility and coordination. This can help us choose one or the other, which one do you prefer?
- Ballet . It improves the level of resistance, corrects bad postural habits, tones the muscles, improves flexibility and balance. It can help you burn up to 450 kcal. hourly.
- Oriental dances . They strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, buttocks and arms, helping the proper functioning of the sexual organs and alleviating the pain of menstruation and menopause. You will burn between 200 and 300 kcal. for an hour of dancing.
- Flamenco . With it the whole body is exercised. The calves and thighs are toned with the foot, and the arms are toned with the arm. You will consume 300 kcal. The time.
- Modern dances (funky, hip-hop…). They enhance endurance, coordination and strength. They are high intensity dances with which you will burn around 400 kcal. per hour.
- Latin dances (merengue, salsa, samba, bachata …). It is considered a high impact exercise, being a high intensity aerobic exercise. Work the muscles of the legs and arms and consume between 300 and 400 kcal. The time.
In any case, as Dr. Gaztañaga emphasizes, it must always be borne in mind that the dance modality we choose is suited to the health and physical condition of each one. And that we begin to practice it slowly to progress as our body asks us to.
