Shall we dance? At fitness clubs and private studios, classes fill as exercisers seek more fun in workouts
BY KAREN SHIDELER
The Wichita Eagle
Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
ONCE you get off the stairstepper, you seldom want to get right back on. But when you're dancing, and the next song starts, you're always ready to go again, says Steven Bohling, co-owner of Care to Dance.
And that may help explain the exploding popularity of dance workouts.
With dance-based workouts, says Sherrie Hill, "before you know it, you're sweating and you're smiling." Hill taught Greater Wichita YMCA instructors how to teach Hip Hop Hustle, a class that has drawn crowds since its debut in March.
At Genesis Health Clubs, the number of Latin-based Zumba classes keeps growing. "People just have fun with it," says group fitness director Angie Kendall.
In general, dance workouts burn 150 to 200 calories in 30 minutes, about what you'd burn walking at a brisk pace and about half what you'd burn on the elliptical - but they're a whole lot more fun.
We've listed some dance offerings, so you can see what the fun's all about.
Traditional dance classes around town also offer a chance for a fun workout.
Options for dance workouts
Hip hop
What it's like: A low-impact floor aerobics class that brings back memories of the electric slide, the hustle and the macarena.
Who you'll see in class: Teens to grandmothers (and some men).
Skill level involved: If you could do the electric slide or macarena, you can do this, Hill says of Hip Hop Hustle.
How hard a workout: You sweat the entire time. "Low impact does not mean low level," Hill says.
How long before you feel proficient: After one class, you'll be hooked. It will start to click in the second or third. It's a basic-level class.
Where to try a class or find out more: All the YMCA branches, Genesis Health Clubs, Health Strategies.
Latin
What it's like: A low-impact floor aerobics class with lots of hip action.
Who you'll see in class: Mostly women. Two groups predominate - early to mid-20s and early to mid-40s, says Michelle Meier, a Zumba instructor at Genesis.
Skill level involved: Some, if you've never danced. Different levels are offered.
How hard a workout: "It's a pretty intense workout," Meier says.
How long before you feel proficient: In the second class, you'll say, "Oh, I remember this." By the third, "you feel really comfortable," she says.
Where to try a class or find out more: Genesis Health Clubs, Health Strategies, Derby Recreation Center, Fitness 2000, Care to Dance, Haysville Activity Center. Genesis will have a free class at 2 p.m. April 19 at its West 13th Street location; space is limited, so call 316-945-8331 for reservations.
Ballroom
What it's like: Traditional dances, such as the fox trot, the quick step and the others on "Dancing With the Stars."
Who you'll see in class: 7-year-olds, 80-year-olds and everyone in between, Bohling says.
Skill level involved: "It's very simple," he says.
How hard a workout: It's easy enough for someone who's had recent heart surgery. But it also burns lots of calories for those who've done it for a while. And, Bohling says, having a partner means you get resistance training as well as cardio.
How long before you feel proficient: Five to seven lessons for complete beginners with two left feet.
Where to try a class or find out more: Care to Dance and other private dance studios, Derby Recreation Center, YMCA (private lessons).
Belly dancing
What it's like: Middle Eastern low-impact dance, with emphasis on stretchi ng and strengthening core muscles.
Who you'll see in class: Females, 16 and older (few places offer belly dancing for men).
Skill level involved: It's easy to pick up but difficult to master, says Twyla Smith, a techniques instructor at Amira Dance Productions.
How hard a workout: It depends. The emphasis is on stretching and strength ening, but some movements increase heart rate.
How long before you feel proficient: For some people, a few classes are enough.
Where to try a class or find out more: Amira Dance Productions and other private studios, Derby Recreation Center, Haysville Activity Center.
DDR and videos
What it's like: Dance workouts to do at home. DDR is Dance Dance Revolution, a video-game system and dance pad. Dance fitness videos abound, in all music genres.
Skill level involved: DDR has different levels; videos usually break down the steps and are available for all skill levels.
How hard a workout: You'll get out of them what you put into them. The American Council on Exercise did a study of DDR and found that it's equivalent to riding a bicycle at 12 to 14 mph. It also provides a good brain workout, researchers said.
How long before you feel proficient: It depends on the video. Look for one rated for your exercise abilities.
Where to try one: Ask a teen, who may let you try her DDR, or try one at All Star Wichita's two locations or a game arcade. The Wichita Public Library has a number of dance exercise videos available for borrowing. |
