| There are many forms of exercise that don't involve | | | | motivating to take part in something that is formally |
| going to the gym. If you are trying to use exercise to | | | | organised rather than trying to go it alone. Latin dance |
| lose weight then the important thing is to adopt an | | | | has become very popular in the last decade or so and |
| exercise regime which is both convenient and | | | | you should find classes of all levels close by. If you're |
| enjoyable for you. Many of us enjoy dancing, and this | | | | not sure where to find them, the local library or sports |
| is great exercise whether on your own, with a partner | | | | centre is a good place to start. Many pubs run classes |
| or in a group. Latin rhythms are particularly uplifting - | | | | too - ask around. |
| dancing Salsa or Merengue is an excellent way to | | | | 3. Try to dance for an hour a day, and dance for as |
| keep fit and get your weight down. It really works the | | | | long as you can non-stop. The constant motion will |
| abdominal muscles, giving you a lithe stomach. You | | | | really help you to burn off that fat. |
| don't have to be a good dancer for this to be | | | | 4. If however you don't have time (or money) for |
| effective, you just need to move with the rhythm and | | | | classes you can teach yourself. Look for self-help |
| keep at it. | | | | videos on YouTube. The basic Salsa move is quite |
| Here are five tips to help you dance your way to a | | | | simple. It starts with a tap left on the first beat, a step |
| slimmer you | | | | forward on the same foot, a rock back onto the right |
| 1. Build up a collection of music you enjoy dancing to. If | | | | foot and the sequence is finished by stepping back left |
| you are in a city, the chances are there is a specialist | | | | to close. Practice in front of a mirror - or with a friend - |
| Latin music shop in the area - or if not the larger high | | | | and you will soon get the hang of it and be ready to |
| street music stores now all have Latin sections. If you | | | | move onto something a bit more complicated. |
| live somewhere more remote you can buy Latin music | | | | 5. Posture. You need to keep your stomach taut and |
| online. So there's no excuse to avoid doing this. | | | | your back straight. This will improve your posture and |
| 2. Sign up for Merengue or Salsa classes in your area. | | | | steady your centre of gravity which will help with your |
| The routine will be good for you, it is often more | | | | balance making you a more agile and graceful dancer. |