Looking for a new work out? Just dance!

Posted on Apr 08, 2016 by Travis Jones

As our New Year’s resolutions have withered on the vine and the summer months approach, now is usually the time of year when we get our proverbial 2nd wind with regards to getting into shape in the hopes that we can get our bikini bodies back in time for upcoming days at the beach.

The problem for many of us, however, is that the willpower to go to the gym religiously can be elusive. After all, for many of us it seems working out promises lots of pain with not enough gain. But what if there was a way to have a great and beneficial workout while having lots of fun at the same time?

As it happens, April 29th is International Dance Day. With this in mind, let’s explore all of the health benefits that can come from dancing regularly, and finish with some of the best spots in Singapore to learn how to dance.

 

Dancing your way to good health

Naturally people associate dancing with a good aerobic workout. Anyone who has watched the movie ‘Step Up’ or the television show ‘Dancing With the Stars’ will take note of how much effort and training goes into creating a single routine, and freestyle dancers can also certainly work up a sweat, just ask any break dancer. More than this, though, dancing can help mental and social health just as much as it does physical health. Let’s break the benefits to each of these aspects down:

Physical

• Slows aging

• Benefits the cardiovascular system

• Increases lung capacity

• Strengthens bones and joints

• Burns calories

• Improves both good and bad cholesterol

• Helps control blood sugar

• Improves balance, coordination, and reflexes

• Strengthens core muscles

Mental

• Improves memory (Especially choreographed dance)

• Keeps the mind alert

• Enhances mood

• Relieves stress

• Aids in battling depression

Social

• Allows for meeting new people

• Improves social skills

• Bolsters cultural diversity

• Promotes good hygiene and grooming

• Improves self-esteem and self-confidence

Combining all of the above benefits with the fun that comes with dancing should make dance an attractive option when deciding on a new type of workout. What's more, dance is great for people of all ages, as every dancer can chose a type of dance with the intensity level that they are looking for. If this is the direction you decide to go though, where in Singapore can you learn how to dance?

 

Shall we dance?

There are a number of excellent dance studios to choose from in Singapore. Here are a few:

Dance Arts
A well established dance studio which can be found on North Bridge Road, Dance Arts has been teaching dance since 1983! With a great track record and experienced teachers, Dance Arts gives students an array of styles to choose from including hip hop, jazz, ballet, and much more. Additionally, dancers of all ages are welcome.

Dancepointe Academy
Teaching hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and general dance styles, and more, Dancepointe Academy even works to certify the next generation of dance instructors should you end up really getting into dance. You can find this studio on Bishan Street.

dAcademy Singapore
This dance academy has been referred to as the best school for contemporary dance in Singapore. Highly qualified faculty try to provide a friendly environment for educating students. 4 age groups cater to most ages: adults, 13 to 16, 9 to 12 and 5 to 8. You can find dAcademy at Jalan Selaseh.

En Motion Dance
Those near Craig Road will no doubt want to look into En Motion Dance. For a dozen years now this dance school has focused on developing a true passion for dance, which has lead to them winning multiple awards. Types of dance taught here include salsa, bachata, body movement and street cha cha.

Bobbi’s Pole Studio
If you're looking for a sexy way to get fit, there's perhaps no better way than pole dancing. The acrobatic moves that advanced pole dancing offers certainly rival the best bodyweight exercises you may see people do in the gym. Head down to Queen Street and find out what Bobbi's has to offer!

 

Rug cutting risks

There is risk with dance however. Dancers in pre-professional companies have 1.38 injuries per 1000 hours of dancing. That’s 1 injury every 33 weeks for those dancing 30 hours a week. According to Dance Teacher magazine, the top 10 dancing injuries include muscle strains and spasms, tendonitis, cartilage tears, sprains, and other syndromes that affect muscles and connective tissue.

Treating these ailments can take considerable time and multiple treatments, and even surgery in some cases. While Singaporeans can generally obtain treatment for these conditions through the city-state's public healthcare system, expats without PR will need to pay for treatment out-of-pocket if they do not have private health insurance plans that include coverage for these types of injuries.

For more information on obtaining adequate medical insurance coverage, contact the helpful advisors at Pacific Prime Singapore. Not only can they answer you with answers to all of your questions and plan comparisons between multiple insurance companies, you can get a free quotation as well.