Dancing into Fitness

https://unsplash.com/@drewcolins

In consideration of New Year’s resolutions, I made a commitment to infuse more exercise into my routine. Remembering the fond memories my son and I shared watching KidzBop on YouTube during his younger years, 

I revisited the channel. KidzBop offers an entertaining and age-appropriate space for youngsters to dance and stay active. It struck me as an opportunity not just to exercise but to explore new moves, break away from repetitive workouts, and alleviate the solitude of solitary fitness routines.

When I mentioned my exercise plans involving dance videos to my youngest son, he eagerly suggested exploring Just Dance recordings on YouTube. He queued up several videos with catchy tunes and engaging choreography (shown below), joining me in the living room for a dance session. Choosing to mimic one of the dancing avatars in each video, I followed along, aided by on-screen icons previewing upcoming moves. While initially challenging for me, with repetition, deciphering these icons became easier as the video progressed.

However, amidst the fun and excitement, one crucial aspect I always kept in mind was the importance of safety. As much as I wanted to match every move, I was mindful of my physical abilities and space limitations. This consideration helps ensure that physical fitness remains enjoyable and injury-free. If you decide to try this, please listen to your body, start gradually, and modify moves as needed. It's crucial to adapt the intensity of exercise to individual capabilities and consult with a healthcare professional when necessary.

I found this way of exercising more fun because of the music, some of the goofy and fun avatars, and the interesting and vibrant dance moves that were suggested. I found myself immersed in this virtual dance studio, laughing at the fox in “What does the fox say,” enjoying the silliness of mimicking a sumo wrestler as I was doing “the bump” with my son to "Hips Don't Lie." The Chacarron video includes light movements and is a great way to warm up for more intense dances. Other dance videos varied in difficulty and style, catering to different tastes and energy levels.

What truly stood out during these sessions was the joy and laughter we shared. Not only were we breaking a sweat and burning calories, but we were also creating lasting memories. Through dancing, we can de-stress, uplift our moods, and connect despite the generational gap.

For a more gentle and serious, but joyful, exercise session, I have tuned into the Fabulous 50s channel for short workouts. Her dance workouts are tailored for mature individuals, focusing on low-impact movements and exercises that cater to varying fitness levels.

In a world where technology can drive us apart, YouTube can be a platform that helps us get physically fit and socially connected. Whether you're a teenager, a parent, or someone in their golden years, the world of dance on YouTube offers a fun, accessible, and inclusive way to stay active and connected. Just remember to listen to your body, adapt to your limitations, and dance like no one's watching!

Chacarron
​Beautiful Liar
​Can't Stop the Feeling
What does the fox say
Uptown Funk
​Hips Don't Lie
Rasputin
Fabulous 50s
​