Dr Mark Magdanz
Rumba or sit-ups? Fox trot or treadmill? Research is favorable if you like to dance. Studies show that dancing provides many of the same health benefits as other aerobic exercises plus some others. It may also be easier to motivate yourself to dance with others than hitting the gym. You don’t need to leap, spin or limbo to benefit from dance. You can kick, bump, shuffle and grapevine at your fitness level as long as you keep moving. Shall you dance?
Regular physical activity helps to keep your body and mind young. Dancing is a pursuit of pleasure and fitness. Studies show that dancing can play an important role in preventing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and depression.
Ten more reasons to kick up your heels: Increase your flexibility; strengthen your bones; strengthen and tone muscle; build endurance; burn calories; improve balance and posture; keep your mind sharp; help your heart; relieve stress and tension; enhance overall well-being; reap social benefits. Dancing involves meeting new people and having fun! A turn on the dance floor to a favorite tune can boost your mood, instill confidence, improve fitness and ward off depression. Your neighbor Cathe Struber provided the article containing these quotes and research and is an enthusiastic dancer.
Act now to register for the fall Line Dance Rebecca series; there are just a few places left in both SaddleBrooke Ranch or down the hill. Ranch classes meet Wednesday afternoons and require reservations to attend. If you want to dance but Wednesday doesn’t work, classes in SaddleBrooke mirror Wednesday and are available as space allows.
Level 1. Rebecca’s a master in teaching basic skills. Level 1 Beginner classes are for students new to line dance and those who like easier steps, a relaxed teaching pace and a less strenuous workout.
Level 2. Advanced Beginner/Easy Intermediate dances are more complex. The teaching pace is faster. Sessions are also Wednesday right after level 1. If you have some basic skills and fitness, you may find space available for the winter season but may have to start in SaddleBrooke.
Level 3. Intermediate dancing is the most challenging and currently only in SaddleBrooke. Five of your neighbors are signed up to dance at this level for fall. Thursdays bring a lot of fun, vigorous workouts and a mentally challenging dance floor experience.
Student Practice Party sessions covering all skill levels are year round and function as your weekly party time; lots of cardio and many different dances. The current schedule is emailed to class participants.
Line Dancing with Rebecca emphasizes fun. To sign up for the 2015 fall series or get started planning for January, contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or phone 818-2656 for times and cost info. The class is by reservation only due to room restrictions. Rebecca is an 11-year, full-time SaddleBrooke resident teaching year round in SaddleBrooke Ranch and SaddleBrooke.