Dance: Exercise for the Body and Soul

Ever since my youth, all I ever wanted to do was dance. Dancing sets me free. It helps me discover my own infinity.

Unfortunately, in recent years I had to give up taking lessons due to lack of time and financial reasons. I miss my dancing days. I miss performing in front of a crowd and disengaging my mind. I miss connecting to the music and my space, being one with the room and all the ambient sounds that fill it. 

I had been longing to dance. So when I was with my best friend (a stunning dancer) the other day, I felt inspired. I donned my leggings, high socks and crop top, ready for a dance session. We went to the gym in her apartment complex and commandeered the racket ball room. All alone in a sacred space. One would pick a song for the other and then we would improvise. 

Once I began dancing, my body began to rejoice. Slowly but surely my feet would recall a new movement. My arms would reach. My heart leaped inside my chest. My body remembered more than I thought it would. 

Dancing, to say it in layman's terms, is sooooo good for your body and your overall well-being! Here's why:

• Enhances conditions of heart and lungs
• Increases muscular strength, motor fitness and endurance
• Increases muscle tone
• Counts as aerobic fitness
• Healthy for your bones and reduces risk of osteoporosis
• Increases flexibility 
• Increases balance and coordination
• Self-esteem booster
• Helps you gain more social skills (if dancing in a group or with a partner)
• Helps with weight management

-Better Health Channel

Dancing is not only a valuable physical exercise but also one of the most freeing experiences. The phrase "Dance like nobody is watching" is a wise one. When I danced the other day, I felt like a bird that was just liberated from its cage.

Dancing burns a massive amount of calories as well. Using my Lose It! app, (Download it!!!) I calculated that I burned about 250 calories from dancing for 45 minutes! And it did not even feel like I was exercising, because it was so fun and engaging. 

Here is a video snippet of my improv dance session from the other day. I apologize; I know the video quality is not top notch. This was by no means rehearsed and I do not consider this my best work. But I still felt it worthy of sharing. :) I am dancing to the song Blindness by Justin Timberlake. 

Tips: 

1. Always warm up and cool down with full body stretches

2. Take breaks in between songs to drink water

3. Dance like nobody is watching!

4. Have fun!

If you like to dance, I would recommend trying a Zumba class! Super fun fitness and a total calorie burning workout! 

Go dance the night away! Tell us about your freeing dance experience in the comments below! 

Stay golden. 

Elsie <3

Getting Back Into It!

Alright gang, I know it has been WAAAAAAY too long since I last posted. *Insert Elsie's most sincere apology here. I know it's not a valid excuse but I have been so tied down. Busy would be an understatement. 

My fellow college students can understand the strain and anxiety that accompany FINALS week. FINALS--such an evil word. Before that, I was on Thanksgiving break.  I took some time off with the purpose of rebooting my system. I spent time strictly with my family and friends whom I had missed dearly. I wanted to permeate myself with good vibes and feelings before I attempted to tackle the end of this overwhelming semester. 

During the week prior and the week of finals week...my health suffered. I'm gonna be honest. I was not treating my body like a temple. Let's just say it was not on the priority list. THIS IS BAD. Your health should ALWAYS be on the priority list, no matter how hectic life gets. Health is a privilege, a gift. Your overall morale and satisfaction with life will be exceptionally better if you treat yourself right!

I was denying myself sufficient sleep. I went to Taco Bell and in the same day I went to Publix and bought a half gallon of Blue Bell ice cream. I ate it in less than a week, without help I might add. Not a proud moment. I neglected to work out. I was eating whatever was easy. Accessible. Needless to say, taking the time to cook a nutritious meal was unappealing. I'm sure this situation sounds familiar to you all. I assume I'm not alone on this one. 

Now, this is where I say, you can turn this back around!! Do not get discouraged. Simply realize that you need to change your habits and take the steps to do it. 


Here are some tips for "Getting Back Into It!"

1. Make EASY wholesome meals that do not require cooking! This way it doesn't take much time away from your study sessions. 
Lunch and Dinner: Summery Salad- Greens, sunflower seeds, Feta cheese, crisp red apples and red wine vinegar dressing
*For protein, add roles of deli meat such as turkey or ham 
Breakfast: Greek yogurt (I use Cabot vanilla bean), granola of choice, raspberries, dash of cinnamon, drizzled honey

2. Say YES to opportunities to exercise
--My roommate asked me if I wanted to join her for a run one night and I said yes! Let me just say, I DESPISE running. I wish I liked it. But unless I am being chased by a chain saw...running is not my first choice of exercise. I always wonder when the whole "runner's high" comes in. You know when they say, "I ran that far, so it just made me want to keep running." Yeah, that phenomenon does not happen to me. Anyway, I went and I was extremely impressed with myself. I did not stop once and I kept a steady pace the whole time! It was such an encouragement!! This illustrated to me that if you commit, your body can get back into it quicker than you think. 

3. RELAX
When you are overwhelmed with stress, neither your brain nor your body functions properly. Like I did over Thanksgiving break, take a bit of time to recharge. Once you are refilled with energy, you will be ready to accomplish your goals with conviction! 

Remember health is the true wealth! Keep it on the priority list! Share your tips on "Getting Back Into It" in the comments below! 

Stay Golden,
Elsie <3