fitbody
Step into Fitness
Dance your way to a beautifully strong and flexible body. by Sandra Murphy
R
ichard Simmons grew up in the French Quarter of New Orleans where, he notes, “Lard was a food group and dessert mandatory.” Exercise studios were geared to those already in shape, not to people that wanted to lose weight. So in 1974, Simmons opened Slimmons studio, followed by his clas- sic exercise video, Sweatin’ to the Old- ies, with motivating tunes like Dancing in the Street, Summer in the City and Loco-Motion; a plus—not everyone in his video is a size 0. Simmons and others have been helping people dance their way to fitness ever since.
Making Dance a Game In Portland, Oregon, Mara Woloshin was inspired to get a move on when she complained to her 15-year-old son, Benny, about her weight. “Benny challenged me to do some basic Wii Fitness and then Zumba Fitness,” says Woloshin. “I give myself the right to fail
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at most exercises and dance moves; I just keep moving and let my son give me tips, pointers and instruction.” Benny puts in his own dance fit- ness time, plus keeps mom on track for 30 minutes a day. The Wii video game keeps score. “I win sometimes; mostly with yoga, while he is terrific at dance stuff,” Woloshin says. “I’ve logged more than 1,200 days with the Wii so far, and love to shake my size 14 self. I’ve lost eight pounds and have built an incred- ible relationship with my teenager. We dance, compete, sweat and encourage each other. “We also enjoy conversations before and after Wii time. Are they meaningful? Sometimes. Does he laugh at me? Definitely. Does he look forward to our evening dance work- outs together? Absolutely.” Wii games popular around the country include Just Dance, versions one and two, and Just Dance Kids
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
plus Gold’s Gym Dance Workout and Zumba Fitness.
Popular DVDs In 2011,
FitBottomedGirls.com compiled a list of the best dance videos they ever reviewed. The list launches with their hands-down favorite, So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit series. Melt away calories using a variety of dance styles and fun moves via Billy Blanks’ Dance with Me Groove & Burn. Several Dancing with the Stars cast
members have videos out to improve fans’ look and style. Check out Cheryl Burke Presents Disco Abs (includes Vil- lage People’s classic YMCA) or Julianne Hough’s Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom. More experienced dancers may like Dancing with the Stars Ball- room Buns and Abs.
Taking Fun Classes
“Zumba Gold is a great reentry to exer- cise for baby boomers” advises Sherry Lucas, a licensed Zumba instructor in St. Louis. “Classes are approachable, available and affordable.” Recommend- ed workout wear includes comfortable sweat-wicking clothing and a good pair
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