Obesity remains to be a major health epidemic in Duluth, Minnesota, according to a study conducted by Gallup-Healthways last 2013. About 26.9% of Duluth residents are considered to be obese, ranking the city as having the 68th highest obesity rate in the country. Obesity, one of the main causes of illnesses such as heart attack, diabetes, and high-blood pressure, can shorten a person’s life expectancy and can drastically affect a person’s overall well-being.

Fortunately, there is a way to combat obesity and prevent the life-threatening diseases that come along with it. It might be hard and a bit boring for many to stay committed to a strict regime of proper diet and exercise, but new physical and fun activities could make it easier to stay on track. Taking ballroom dance lessons in Duluth, MN, for example, is an activity that a lot of people, regardless of age and gender, can gain plenty of health benefits from.

Dancing Can Burn Calories

Ballroom dancing requires you to move your entire body, meaning that you are giving yourself an intense cardio workout every time you groove to the beat. A solid hour of disco, folk, salsa, or line dancing can help burn over 300 calories while an hour of practicing slower dances such as waltz, foxtrot, and cha-cha can burn around 140 calories.

Dancing Helps Tone Your Muscles

The footwork done in ballroom dancing can strengthen your core muscles and can tone the muscles located in the buttocks, thighs, and calves. Furthermore, it can help condition the cardiovascular system and improve a person’s stamina and endurance.

Dancing Will Make You Happier

Studies show that dancing has the ability to enhance a person’s mood and mental health. It also encourages proper posture, grace under pressure, and can make you feel more confident about yourself.

Ballroom dancing is a physical activity that will help you lose weight in a healthy, creative, and enjoyable way. While you can try this exercise on your own at home. It will only truly be effective when done under the guidance of a skilled dance instructor. If you’re interested in taking up ballroom dancing as a hobby or fitness routine, dance studios such as Superior Ballroom Dance offer dance classes in Duluth, MN that you’ll surely enjoy.

(Source: Teacher dances off 100 pounds to find her dream body, CNN International, June 2, 2014)