Education

STAY FIT with VICKY : Dance as an exercise

Published

9 years ago

August 6, 2015

STAY FIT with VICKY :DANCE AS AN EXERCISE (part 2)

Are you the type that hates to go to the gym? Does the mere thought of having to run on a treadmill make you shudder with distaste? Are you sick of the same boring exercise routines? Then you should consider taking up DANCE.
Dance has physical and mental health benefits. Dancing is good exercise and a fun way to keep fit. Ballet, belly dancing, salsa, ballroom dancing, hip-hop, square-dancing and tap dancing are different dancing styles.
It’s a sport that both men and women can enjoy and benefit from.
There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and disco to Morris dancing. Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations. Dance is a great form of exercise as it provides you both aerobic and anaerobic movements. Our bodies need a combination of both types of exercise in order to be in their healthiest.

Today, I want to let you know that most dancing is about recreation and self-expression, although it can also be done as a competitive activity. Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more physically active and stay fit.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DANCING
In dance, Aerobic exercise can be achieved by jumping, swaying, twirling etc. While Anaerobic exercise include holding squat positions, lifting someone else or your own body and balancing.
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:

1. Improved condition of your heart and lungs

2. Increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness

3.Increased aerobic fitness

4. Improved muscle tone and strength

5. Weight management

6. Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis

7. Better coordination, agility and flexibility

8. Improved balance and spatial awareness

9. Increased physical confidence

10. Improved mental functioning

11. Improved general and psychological well being

12. Greater self-confidence and self-esteem

13. Better social skills.

HOW TO START WITH DANCING?
You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own. There are lots of different places where you can enjoy dancing. For example, at dance schools, social venues, community halls and in your own home. Dancing has become such a popular way to be active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise programs.

Dancing can be done both competitively and socially. It can be a great recreational and sporting choice, because anyone of any age can take part. It doesn’t matter whether it is cold or raining, as dancing is usually done indoors.
Dancing stretches your body in new ways that you’ve never tried before. Also dance helps your muscle to be more flexible.

The gear you need for dancing will depend on the style of dancing you choose. For example, tap dancing will involve buying tap shoes, whereas ballet will need ballet slippers and ballet clothing. To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy Or enroll for dance class with an instructor.

TYPES OF DANCE
There are many styles of dance to choose from, each with its own attractions. Popular styles of dancing include:

• BALLET – mostly performed to classical music, this dance style focuses on strength, technique and flexibility.

• BALLROOM DANCING – this involves a number of partner-dancing styles such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango.

• BELLY DANCING – originating in the Middle East, this dance style is a fun way to exercise.

• HIP-HOP – it’s performed mostly to hip-hop music. This urban dance style can involve breaking, popping, locking and freestyling.

• JAZZ – A high-energy dance style involving kicks, leaps and turns to the beat of the music.

• POLE DANCING – this has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise. It involves sensual dancing with a vertical pole, and requires muscle endurance, coordination, and upper- and lower-body strength.

• SALSA – salsa is usually a partner dance and emphasizes rhythms and sensuality. It involves a mixture of Caribbean, Latin American and African influences.

• SQUARE-DANCING – A type of folk dancing where four couples dance in a square pattern, moving around each other and changing partners.

• TAP DANCING – focuses on timing and beats. The name originates from the tapping sounds made when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the ground.

One thing that dancing can provide that jogging and regular gym exercise can’t is CREATIVE OUTLET. You are free to invent new forms, choose your own music and even put makeup and costume to your dance routines.

Here are important questions you must ask yourself before choosing a dance style:

* Do I want to dance to improve my fitness?

* Am I trying to improve my flexibility and coordination?

* Do I prefer fast dancing or slow dancing?

* Do I want to dance with a partner, or on my own?

* Do I want to join a group, or have private lessons?

* Will I enjoy competitions, or do I want to dance just for fun?

Healthy TIPS for dancing:
If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include:

– See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.

– Wear layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up.

– Do warm-up stretches or activities before you begin a dance session.

– Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing.

– Make sure you rest between dance sessions.

– Don’t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.

– Wear professionally fitted shoes appropriate to your style of dance.

– Check with your dance instructor that you are holding the correct form.

– Sit and watch new dance moves first. Learning new moves increases your risk of injury, especially if you are already tired.

– Perform regular leg-strengthening exercises.

– Move as fluidly and gracefully as you can.

– Cool down after a dance session, including stretching.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

•Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

•Dancing can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness.

•Dancing is a great way to meet new friends.

•See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, you are overweight, over 40 years of age or unfit.

There is an unending supply of dance moves. Thus, it is very difficult to get bored with creating new dance moves. Once you get the basics down, a whole world of options will open up to you.

For more information, Contact Vicky on :
[email protected]

Education

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, Girau International School sends heartfelt wishes of peace and prosperity to its students, parents, and staff. The school emphasizes the value of unity and joy during this special time, while encouraging families to prioritize safety and well-being.

In a statement, the School Director highlighted the importance of parental guidance during the holidays, urging families to maintain open communication and ensure children’s activities are monitored responsibly.

“The holidays are a time for creating cherished memories,” the School Director said. “However, they also require vigilance. Parents play a key role in ensuring their children remain safe and make responsible choices during this period.”

Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and character development, Girau International School offers a robust curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. As the new year nears, the school remains steadfast in its mission to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to excel in a dynamic world.

Girau International School reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally. The school also encourages families to embrace the spirit of the season while staying mindful of the challenges it may bring.

For more information about Girau International School’s programs and initiatives, please contact the administration.

Education

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Sahara Weekly

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for First Honour Schools as we proudly celebrate 10 years of transforming lives and shaping a brighter, greater generation for society through quality education.

Founded on October 8, 2014, First Honour Schools embarked on a mission to inspire learners to become passionate lifelong learners. Over the past decade, we have grown to encompass preschool, nursery, primary, and secondary classes, providing a holistic education that challenges, motivates, and inspires our students to aim high and achieve excellence.

A Vision for Transformative Education

At First Honour Schools, we believe in the wise saying that “knowledge is best acquired through sound education.” Education is the foundation upon which great individuals and economies are built, making it a right of every child rather than a privilege.

We are committed to providing every child with qualitative education because today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Without education, hope diminishes—but with it, the possibilities are endless.

We aim to raise a generation of transparent, accountable, and excellent future leaders.

At First Honour Schools, we nurture incorruptible, disciplined, and economically proficient individuals who understand that hard work is the secret to success.

A Decade of Impact and Excellence

Over the past ten years, First Honour Schools has consistently achieved remarkable milestones:

Infrastructure: With over 40 well-structured and conducive classrooms and 5 fully equipped laboratories, we provide an environment that fosters learning and creativity.
Student Body: We are proud to have nurtured over 500 learners, ensuring their holistic development through academic, moral, and social excellence.
Academic Excellence: 93% of our students consistently excel academically, thanks to the dedication of our well-trained teachers and robust curriculum.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Vision: At First Honour Schools, we inspire children to be passionate lifelong learners through a curriculum rooted in pedagogical integrity, enabling them to stand out among their peers.
Mission: We serve as an effective educational resource for parents, assisting families in realizing their children’s full potential through active parent involvement and student-centered learning.
Core Values:
- Fostering healthy relationships with learners.
- Ensuring learners live purpose-driven lives.
- Stimulating self-discovery and excellence in all endeavors.

Why Choose First Honour Schools?

The combined efforts of our management, teachers, parents, and learners have yielded outstanding results, creating a legacy of academic excellence and character building. At First Honour Schools, we focus on raising well-rounded individuals equipped to excel academically and beyond.

If you’re searching for the perfect school for your children in Ifo, Arigbajo, Ewekoro, or surrounding areas, First Honour Schools is the ideal choice. We provide a conducive learning environment, accurate and engaging lectures, and discipline to prepare learners for the future.

Contact Us

Address: Off Sojuolu Road, via Alameda Bus Stop, Ifo, Ogun State.
Phone: +234 903 423 4983, +234 815 917 9150, +234 706 445 7778
Email:[email protected] | [email protected]

At First Honour Schools, we’re not just building a school; we’re building a legacy of excellence—one learner at a time.

Education

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Arch. Sunday Silver Echono, will on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

The lecture titled “Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria” will hold at Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri Conference Hall, FUTO main campus, Owerri.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs). Nnenna Oti, will be the Chief Host at the lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia.

FUTO is the oldest university of technology in Nigeria, established in 1980 by Nigeria’s first Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region, particularly in a state which did not have a conventional university.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the ninth Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Sonny Echono was nominated by the Board of TETFUND in early 2022 and was subsequently appointed as the substantive 9th Executive Secretary (ES) of TETFUND on March 18, 2022, by former President Muhammad Buhari.
A former permanent secretary in federal ministries, Echono had been honoured by governmental and non-governmental bodies locally and internationally. He is a recipient of Officer of Order of Niger (OON).