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Dipping and Turning
Dancing is a great activity for people age 50 and older because you can vary
the level of physical exertion so easily, according to Marian Simpson, a
retired dance instructor and president of the National Dance Association.
For instance, people just getting back into dance or physical activity can
start out more slowly, then "step it up a notch" by adding things like dips
and turns as they progress, says Simpson. The more energy you put into a
dance, the more vigorous your workout will be.
Although some dance forms are more rigorous than others - for instance, jazz
as opposed to the waltz - all beginners' classes should start you out
gradually. Ballroom dance, line dancing, and other kinds of social dance are
most popular among people 50 and older. That's because they allow people to
get together and interact socially, while getting some exercise and having
fun at the same time. Dancers who have lost partners can come alone and meet
new people, since many classes don't require that you attend as a couple.
If
your doctor hasn't restricted your activity in any way, you're ready to
rock, says Beckford. If you haven't been active or seen the doctor in a
while, ask yourself the following questions:
Has your doctor ever said you have a heart condition and that you should
only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
Do
you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
In
the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical
activity?
Do
you lose your balance because of dizziness, or do you ever lose
consciousness?
Do
you have a bone or joint problem that could get worse from a change in your
physical activity?
Is
your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for blood
pressure or a heart condition?
Do
you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?
Source: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q),
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Inc., 1994
You should make an appointment to see your doctor if you
answer "yes" to any of the questions above. |
