Are you looking for an alternative to going to the gym? Want to make some new friends? Why not give Square Dancing a try? We all know that exercise is good for you. Isn’t there a form of exercise that is fun and doesn’t seem like hard work? Yes there is, and it’s called Square Dancing.
According to a 1994 Mayo Clinic health letter:
“Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. During a half-hour of dancing you can burn between 200 and 400 calories. In one study, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and found that each person covered five miles in a single evening. Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile. The degree of cardiovascular conditioning depends on how vigorously you dance, how long you dance continuously, and how regularly you do it. The movements of many dances strengthen your weight bearing bones and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass. Dancing is a positive alternative to aerobic dancing or jogging. And finally, Square Dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness endeavors don’t.”
Square Dancing will add ten years to your life, a 1996 study shows:
Dr. Arron Blackburn states “It’s clear that square dancing is the perfect exercise. It combines all positive aspects of intense physical exercise with none of the negative elements.” Dr. Blackburn said square dancing is a low impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes that help keep the body in shape. The study was based on their physical examination which indicated that both female and male square dancers could expect to live well into their 80’s. Square dance movements raise heart rates like many good aerobic exercises should.
Square dancing is a mental and physical challenge. Moving in rhythm to the music keeps you physically fit. Reacting to the calls keeps you on your toes. No one knows what move will be called next. Experienced square dance callers teach you the moves and the names of the calls that you dance. You practice these moves until they feel as natural as walking. Then your caller combines the basic moves and steps into whole dance patterns.
It is said that “Square Dancing is Friendship set to Music”. People of all ages square dance, finding it a fun social activity where there are no prizes, no winners or losers, just a feeling of self-satisfaction and well-being. It is intended for everyone to have a good time. It gives you an opportunity to develop strong social ties. Besides the actual square dancing, dancers learn teamwork, cooperation, tolerance and patience.
Come learn to Square Dance. If you can walk you can learn to Square Dance. SaddleBrooke Squares Dance Club invites you to attend a FREE introductory session on Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. in SaddleBrooke. Couples and singles are welcomed.
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