Benefits of tap dancing?

I'm about to answer my own question! I just started my tap dancing lessons, and I worked up such a sweat during the first class. Just what I was looking for! It was a great lower body workout. Perfect to help trim the thighs, and I think the buttocks too. I'll keep you all posted as to my results at the end of the ten week class.

Did you know that Tap Dancing has been around since th 1800's. I'm sure you'll remember Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.... And now.... tap dancing is coming back. Tap dancing is not only a great cardiovascular activity (if done for 15-30 continuous minutes at a moderate to high intensity), but also tones the leg muscles. According to an article on BBC Online ( www.news.bbc.co.uk), tap dancing gets the heart and lungs working, and research in Italy revealed that dancing three times a week was as beneficial as spending the same time on an exercise bike. Plus studies have shown dancing can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Depending on your intensity, you can burn anywhere from 300-400 calories/hour. Visit www.usatap.org to get more tapping information. Happy tapping :)

Kristen -

I'm no expert on what EXACTLY tap dancing does for your body from a medical standpoint. However, I've been tapdancing for years. All i can say is that every time i take a class it is like taking 2 aerobics classes in one. It has strengthened my thigh muscles, my claf muscles, my ankles and my toes! Not to mention the great hand/eye (or rather foot) coordination. Ant the best part it - it is really fun!

Good luck and Happy tapping!

-Jen