quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Social Dancing

A Low-impact Exercise Secret for Moms-to-be

By Charlene Torkelson

Exercise during pregnancy for most is important. Not only does it improve chances for an easier, more comfortable delivery (if the words "easy" and "comfortable" can be used when speaking of delivering a baby!), but it also helps to maintain a healthy and controlled weight gain.

The medical community recognizes the connection between diet, exercise and emotional stability – something of great concern to women who are experiencing the hormonal changes during pregnancy. As the body begins to add weight, finding an exercise program that includes a healthy and safe form of activity can prove to be challenging for some. It has to be low impact – not jarring to the joints – and fun – something to really look forward to each day. Finding both at the same time can be a problem.

So here's a secret: Try dancing. No, not leaping around the room with the hope of not running into a wall, but social dancing.

Social dancing is a way to exercise with a low-impact activity. What makes it fun is adding the music and including your spouse in your exercise. Now that is a real secret!

What exactly is "social dancing"? Social dancing is a variety of dances from various cultures that includes moving with a partner. This can include the smooth dances such as Waltz, Fox Trot and Tango as well as the rhythm dances – Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Salsa, Samba and Merengue. With so many dances to choose from, which ones are a must-do?

The Waltz is a dance that can be slow and smooth or quick and twirling. Waltz is not determined by its speed but rather by its timing. A waltz is danced at a 3-4 tempo – three beats to each measure of music. Many popular pieces of music are waltzes. It's not just a dance for old fogies. Waltz is a must because the timing is unique and allows dancers to move to a greater variety of music. It's also a popular dance for weddings and holiday social events.

Want to see more?

• Swaying to the Music: Dancing for Fitness and Fun
• Shape up Your Groove Thing: Bellydancing as Exercise
• Dance It Off! Regain Tone and Shape with Musical Movements
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!