Brazil is not only famous for hosting upcoming World Cup 2014, it is also known as the country of Samba!
Samba is an old Brazilian style of dance that has many different variations. It has been performed as a street dance at carnivals for almost 100 years! Through time, Samba, also known as the Brazilian Waltz, has been transformed into a ballroom dance that features in a lot of competitions and is one of the most popular dances around the world. In recent times, Samba has been recognised as a beneficial exercise and is already a well-known fitness workout in a lot of gyms and fitness centres.
So, how can Samba benefit my health? Well, there are multiple reasons why you should be running to your nearest Samba class and getting a life time membership, and not all of them are the obvious ones you may be thinking of.
Breathing
I know it may seem strange to add this one to the list of benefits, but trust me, it is a genuine benefit and a very good one. Samba dancing gives us the ability to breathe more efficiently and, however ludicrous it sounds, there are a lot of people that don’t know how to breathe properly. When we participate in Samba, we stretch and move our bodies in ways we are not used to, which gives our lungs more space to expand allowing more oxygen to enter our bodies. When we have a plentiful supply of oxygen in our bodies, it allows our cells to function more effectively giving us more energy, an increased state of alertness, and the ability to repair damaged tissues in the body. Prolonged exposure to effective breathing from Samba exercise means that our bodies can learn to utilise every breath and we can become healthier as a result.
Cardiovascular System
It is often said that any form of dancing can be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. While this may be true, there are not many that are as effective at increasing heart health as Samba. The quick paced steps and fast beats that accompany the dance mean that with every routine the heart has to work that little bit harder than it would have to for a softer dance such as Salsa. With the heart working harder, more blood can get to the muscles and organs, feeding them with a generous supply of oxygen. As well as this, the heart is a muscle so anytime it is beating over its normal resting rate; it is strengthening itself allowing it to pump blood more effectively.
Weight Loss
As we all know, excess weight can lead to all sorts of health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. What better way to lose weight than by having fun! By participating in a local Samba class and making sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet, you can lose inches off your waist in a very small space of time.
If this hasn’t tempted you enough, then know that Samba is also a great way to meet new people and has been proven to lift your mood and help you to enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle. So why not give it a try today!
Leave A Comment