Quick, name the three most watched TV shows in Canada currently:

#3 Law and Order

#2 So You Think You Can Dance

#1 So You Think You Can Dance

And no, it’s not a misprint.
Source: http://www.bbm.ca/en/nat08032009.pdf

Yes, it’s the summer season and there isn’t much on the tube. And yes, everyone’s favorite sitcoms will be back in the fall so the list above could look remarkably different. But people like, really like watching dance shows!

[No dumbbells required! Mastering their own body weight is what produces the lean and sleek look of these artists.]

The entertainment production value of these shows, sprinkled with a little reality TV for good measure, really helps in attracting viewership. Choreographed routines combined with matching outfits makes the viewer feel like they are watching a rock show in a big city arena.

Who am I kidding?

Women, and men, are watching these lean cut bodies pulsating and gyrating to different musical stylings because they are aesthetically pleasing!

While the external physical benefits of dancing are apparent, the internal benefits are just as impressive. Dancing has been proven to get your heart rate up while strengthening your core and leg muscles at the same time.

In addition, various web sites have reported on different dance styles burning an average of 400 calories per hour!

Now I’ll admit, I’ve seen So You Think You Can Dance a handful of times and what amazes me the most is the wide range of movement that’s required to pull off some of these routines.

Similar to gymnasts, dancers rarely touch a dumbbell and instead concentrate on moving their own body weight to glide and spring off the dance floor.

Unfortunately the research on dancing and weight loss benefits was surprisingly thin? The more interesting studies I found centered around the video game Dance Dance Revolution (the cool kids call it DDR).

In one study, researchers from the University of Wisconsin, had 24 male and female subjects play the video game Dance Dance Revolution. They measured the amount of calories the subjects burned and reported that the adults in the study burned about 10 calories per minute, or the equivalent of 300 calories per 30 minutes when on the difficult mode.

Even researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota stuck their nose into the realm of “exergaming” with results showing children who played DDR expended significantly more energy than children watching television and playing traditional video games.

[Talk about working your core and leg muscles young man. I would've tripped and crashed into the entertainment unit 30 seconds in.]

Given the above findings for a video game, I think we can safely translate similar benefits and results in more social settings like a dance class, a wedding or nightclub (provided you aren’t cradling a double rum cocktail at 2:00am).

Now I’m no professional but I’ve been known to bust a move or two on occasion (backyard BBQs included).

So I’ll let you in on one of my favorite dance secrets along with a quick breakdown of dance class options from a female friend of mine who happens to moonlight as a dance instructor.

You Got The Rhythm

Some of us have rhythm, and others… not so much. If your in the latter group there is hope.

Start by clapping out simple beats and counting in your head. After monitoring the rhythm this way, translate the clapping and counting into movement. Stay loose and keep your lower body and upper body moving together.

Don’t stress about technical perfection because we’re living in the moment and there is no trophies at the end of the night. The goal is to reduce self consciousness and anxiety to the point where you feel comfortable.

Just Dance

Depending on your musical taste, you’ll enjoy some dance movements and classes more than others.

“If you like rhythm, put on some tap shoes. If you like So You Think You Can Dance and popular MTV video type moves, take a jazz class. Ballet class can help if you’re having back problems, due to its emphasis on posture.”

“Whatever style you choose, try to relax and trust the instructor. If you are leaving each class and realizing you had a good time, then mission accomplished.”  – Female Friend

Life provides us with so few opportunities to let loose and dance. Besides the obvious health benefits, your social life and self confidence will get a major boost. So step outside the shell and live it up, your body and mind will thank you for it!