the perfect exercise

It combines all the positive aspects of intense physical exercise with none of the negative elements. Square dancing is a low impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes that keep the body in shape. It tones the muscles without causing injury.

Dancing pairs you up with more than a partner. From burning calories to socializing with friends, dancing offers these health benefits:

Calories- 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. One factor that determines how many calories you'll expend is the distance you travel. In, one study, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and found that each person covered five miles in a single evening.

Cardiovascular Conditioning - Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile. Experts typically recommend 30 - 40 minutes of continuous activity three or four times a week. Dancing may not provide all the conditioning you need, but it can help. The degree of cardiovascular conditioning depends on how vigorously you dance, how long you dance continuously, and how regularly you do it.

Strong Bones - The side to side movements of many dances strengthens your weight bearing bones (tibia, fibula and femur) and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass (osteoporosis).

Rehabilitation- If you're recovering from heart or knee surgery, movement may be part of your rehabilitation. Dancing is a positive alternative to aerobic exercise or jogging.

It's a mental challenge - Modern square dancing is a mental challenge. Calls have to be remembered. Reacting quickly to the square dance caller keeps you mentally on your toes. While concentrating on the moves you escape from your worries and every-day pressures.

It's an antidote to depression and loneliness - Square dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness endeavors do not. It is very tactile, and friendly which contributes to self esteem and a positive outlook.

Sociability- Dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness endeavors don't. It gives you an opportunity to develop strong social ties which contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook.

Laughter - Square dancing is full of fun - laughter is the best medicine!

Next time you consider settling down for a little television on a Monday or a Tuesday, come for a few dances, you'll have so much fun you may forget you're exercising!!

There are Square and Round dances almost every night of the week - somewhere.