Stepping into fitness line

One way to get fit, and improve coordination, agility and flexibility, is to join a line dancing class.

Fitness and fun go hand-in-hand for line dancers, according to Country Heartbeat Dance instructor Sue Wellesley-Davies.

Sue has been teaching line dancing in Silverdale Hall for three years.

Most classes last an hour and in that time, dancers can burn 400 to 600 calories.

Sue says the benefits of dancing are both physical and mental.

“It improves muscle tone and strength, and cardio vascular health, and promotes stronger bones, but it also reduces depression and anxiety and increases confidence,” she says.

Dancers range in age from seven to 96 years, and about 10 percent of members are men.

“There’s no age limit and the beauty of line dancing is that you don’t need a partner. Most of the dancers attending my classes average two sessions a week.”

Sue says there is a strong social side to line dancing, with many people making lifelong friends.

Local groups often visit other clubs around the North Island, attend weekend workshops and perform in dance shows.

A beginners class is held on Mondays from 12 noon to 1pm where new dancers can come along and see how they like it.

Info: FB: countryheartbeatdance or phone Sue on 021 991 717.