A Modern Work Out

Typically, when I think of working out, I think of an all-out heart pumping, sweat session.  I love my cardio because it makes me feel like I actually accomplished something.  To me, the harder I work means the more calories I torch.  I like to go to the gym or go for a run in the morning right after I wake up because then I feel good for the entire day.  However, my routine Wednesday morning run has been replaced this semester by modern dance class.

I feel the same about dance class as I do about going to a class at 9:30 A.M.  Painful and unecessary.  Put both of those things together and you have a very unhappy 20 year old.  If I didn't need the fine performing art credit for school, believe me I wouldn't be putting myself near any dance studio.  My only other option was to take an art class and if you can believe it, I dance better than I draw.  Other than the fact that I'm completely uncoordinated, I can't stand standing in one spot stretching and breathing and counting.  That's what I figured modern dance to be.  


However, as I'm now into my 6th week of it, I notice I'm a little more flexible.  These weird moves like "dog in room" and "baby cobra" (I know, what the hell, right?) actually do something.  Contrary to my previous beliefs, modern dance could be a good thing after all.  We start with a warm up, we do moves that stretch and lengthen the body, and even learn small dance routines.  The moves aren't hard by any means and I don't drip sweat after I do them for an hour either.  I'm impressed to say the least.  Although, I must say you wouldn't find my professor's collection of music on my iPod.  I try to ignore that part.  But, I've been to yoga classes and even spent $59.99 on Winsor Pilates DVD's and I didn't stick with any of it.  Maybe all I needed was a friend to peer pressure me into taking a class.  An hour of moving your body and stretching sure beats any lecture that I could think of.  I may not be quite ready for Dancing with the Stars, but don't worry, I'm working on it.  (Look for me next season) At least by the end of the semester I hope to be a little more flexible and dance away with an A.


Here's a little youtube video showing one of our warm ups! http://youtube.com/watch?v=_F7my5hJfXg&feature=channel