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Staying Fit
Dance for HealthFind the style that’s right for you and you’re on the way to fun and fitness!She’s a little bit Ginger. He’s a little bit Fred. And while they may not have the name recognition of those Hollywood dance legends, Vinny and LeRoy Gerchman of Allentown feel every bit as elegant and romantic when they don their finery and glide across the floor.The Gerchmans have been avid ballroom dancers for more than 12 years, and say they’ve never felt better. “I’m 59 and LeRoy is 61, and we have more energy than our four children and 11 grandchildren put together,” Vinny says. “I think it’s because of our dancing. It’s so invigorating and it keeps our hearts healthy and strong. And we just feel happy.” Dancing can be a valuable part of anyone’s exercise program, says orthopedic surgeon Robert Palumbo, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “As long as it keeps you moving, it’s a wonderful thing. And dancing is a fun way to cross-train.” Ballroom or ballet, tap or tango, salsa, swing or square, dancing offers many benefits. It’s versatile; couples, singles and children can do it. Dancing provides the chance to socialize, be creative, reduce stress, develop coordination and build self-esteem. It also can promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and help keep diabetes under control, says Kelly Finken, a physical therapist at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Health Center at Hellertown. As with any exercise, gear your choice of dance to your age and physical condition (including old injuries). “Dance requires endurance, agility, coordination, flexibility and strength, so consult with your physician before starting any dance program,” Finken says. “And remember to stretch and warm up before you dance to lessen the chance for injury.” Feet and ankles are especially vulnerable, accounting for up to 51 percent of all dance-related injuries, Palumbo says. He saw many such injuries when he was medical director for the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil acrobatic troupe and orthopedist for Disney performers and the Orlando Ballet. Knees, hips and backs also can be prone to injury, depending on the style of dance. Ballroom and square dancing are both well-suited to the older crowd, because they provide a good aerobic workout without being hard on aging joints. Swing and Latin dance also are good for aerobic conditioning, but they put stress on the back, abdominal muscles and knees. Ballet and tap build core body strength and balance, and tap also is good aerobically. But both put heavy stress on knees and ankles. Country line dancing offers physical and mental benefits with its complex dance step combinations. “It not only develops your coordination, it challenges you to think, drawing a strong mind-body connection,” says Robin Gerchman, director of dance at Cedar Crest College and daughter-in-law to the dancing Gerchmans. “Whatever you choose,” she says, “it should always be uplifting. Leave the excess baggage and stress at the door. That’s when you’re going to get the most out of your class.” Adds Palumbo: “Listen to your body. Start slowly and build up your stamina. You don’t have to be Astaire and Rogers right off the bat.”
Want to Know More about where you can take a dance class or a get a Vitality Plus discount? Call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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