Dancing Your Way to a Fitter You

By Kirby Adams

Maybe it's all the excitement around the dance contests we see played out on primetime TV. Or perhaps it's that we are all so bored with the “same ol' thing.” Whatever the reason health clubs are offering all types of dance related classes to help tone your body, increase your strength and improve your cardiovascular system. At Louisville Athletic Club on Westport Road the Work It class is filled to capacity.

If you go you will learn the same sensual routine that has catapulted Carmen Electra's Stripaerobics DVD to No. 1. But just because you are swirling your hips and stretching hamstrings with your rear in the air doesn't mean you won't sweat. In fact, the women I talked with after class all looked to be in good shape. Never the less they were breathing hard and sweating more. I heard more than one “It's a great workout!” While a few women said they were hesitant about an exercise class based on sensuality they all said they were pleasantly surprised. Think about it, have you ever seen a stripper who was tubby and intoned?

Across the river in New Albany another health club has introduced dance workouts and also has seen a big response. Total Fitness and Wellness on Charleston Road says “no experience needed” for the ballet salsa and jazz classes.

In fact so many beginner “dancers” have shown up for the workouts that the club is sure to introduce more types of dance classes.

Asked why they show up I got a lot of “it's something different” or “it makes me feel very feminine.” If you are still a bit leery you can always rent or buy the Carmen Electra DVD. And try out stripaerobics in the privacy of your own living room. If you go online and do a search for “stripaerobics” you'll also find books and articles that can help you get started.

For times, days and prices you can let your fingers do the walking.

Total Fitness & Wellness
3891 Charlestown Rd.
New Albany , IN.
812.945.9344

Louisville Athletic Club
9463 Westport Road
Louisville , Ky.
502.412 4522

Kirby Adams is the consumer reporter for Kentuckiana's News Channel WHAS-11, Team Captain for Team Crusade and a sports and fitness buff. You can e-mail Kirby at kirby.adams@whas11.com. Kirby is also a member of Kentuckiana HealthFitness' Editorial Advisory Board.

If you know of a little “GEM” or a story, you would like to share it with our readers, drop me a note about it to:

Kirby Adams
WHAS-TV
520 West Chestnut Street
Louisville , KY 40202