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STAY FIT with VICKY : Dance as an exercise

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

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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 :
swichivita@yahoo.com

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Education

From Rejection to Record-Breaker: LASU’s Best Graduating Student Thought She Had Failed in Life

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From Rejection to Record-Breaker: LASU’s Best Graduating Student Thought She Had Failed in Life

From Rejection to Record-Breaker: LASU’s Best Graduating Student Thought She Had Failed in Life

In an inspiring twist of fate, Miss Isioma Nwosu, who once believed she had failed in life after missing out on her dream course, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session with an astounding CGPA of 4.93.

Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry, captivated the audience with her moving valedictory speech at LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Ojo.

“I thought I had failed in life,” she confessed, recounting the heartbreak of not gaining admission to study Medicine and Surgery—her lifelong ambition.

After finishing secondary school as her set’s valedictorian in 2019, Nwosu faced a major blow: she scored just two points below the cut-off mark to study Medicine at the University of Ibadan. The setback forced her to retake UTME, a decision she said left her humiliated and defeated.

“A valedictorian writing UTME again? It was a bitter pill to swallow,” she recalled.

When she eventually reapplied to study Medicine and Surgery—this time at LASU—fate again dealt her a curveball. She was offered Biochemistry, a course she admitted she had “never heard of” until that moment.

“My heart broke a second time. I couldn’t embrace the course at first,” she said.

But through perseverance, and the encouragement of her lecturers and friends, Isioma not only embraced Biochemistry—she excelled beyond all expectations, finishing top of a graduating class of 11,917 students.

“Dreams Can Be Delayed, Not Denied”

In a stirring message to fellow graduates and aspiring students, Nwosu urged young people not to abandon their dreams in the face of rejection or redirection.

“Never be afraid of having big dreams. Your dreams are the seeds of greatness. You are resilient, capable, and prepared for the future,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with “friends of value, vision, and ambition.”

VC Urges Graduates to Shape Their Legacy

In her address, LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, praised the class of 2023/2024, reminding them that they hold the pen to write the next chapter of their lives.

“You’ve demonstrated excellence in both character and learning. Now use that knowledge to drive meaningful change,” she charged.

The university awarded diplomas, degrees, and certificates across various disciplines, celebrating not just academic success but stories of resilience and transformation—none more powerful than that of Isioma Nwosu, who turned disappointment into distinction.

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Education

NAPS Applauds Progress on Bill to Abolish HND-Bachelor’s Degree Dichotomy

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NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

NAPS Applauds Progress on Bill to Abolish HND-Bachelor’s Degree Dichotomy

 

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), under the leadership of Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, has expressed strong support for the bill seeking to abolish the longstanding disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and Bachelor’s degree graduates.

The bill, which recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, is seen as a crucial step toward promoting educational equality and ensuring that all Nigerian students receive fair recognition, regardless of their institution or degree type.

In a statement, NAPS reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for polytechnic students’ rights and called on lawmakers to expedite the process to ensure the bill becomes law.

“As an association, we have always championed the interests of polytechnic students. The passage of this bill will be a major milestone in our efforts to secure equal opportunities for all graduates,” Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide stated.

He emphasized that under his leadership, NAPS has made significant strides in pushing for reforms that benefit its members. He also urged all stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, to rally behind the bill to create a more inclusive and equitable education system.

NAPS reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting the bill’s passage and expressed optimism that it would pave the way for a brighter future for all Nigerian students.

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Education

Meet Eniola Olushola, the newest MSc sociologist from the University of Oye Ekiti

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Meet Eniola Olushola, the newest MSc sociologist from the University of Oye Ekiti

Meet Eniola Olushola, the newest MSc sociologist from the University of Oye Ekiti

 

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

Eniola Olushola’s career journey demonstrates the impact of ongoing education and deliberate self-improvement in meeting the constantly changing requirements of the modern industry

 

Meet Eniola Olushola, the newest MSc sociologist from the University of Oye Ekiti

 

 

Eniola has consistently proven his ability to deliver innovative solutions and drive impactful change through a unique blend of humanitarian expertise and executive leadership training

 

Eniola Olushola began his academic pursuits with a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university in Nigeria and later earned a master’s degree in sociology from the Federal University of Oye, Ekiti, driven by a growing interest in sustainability and environmental stewardship

 

The accomplishment bolstered his expertise in addressing multifaceted humanitarian and environmental issues within industrial settings, firmly establishing him as a leading authority in his field of expertise

 

Eniola Olushola has demonstrated a consistent commitment to self-advancement, recognizing the essential function of leadership in navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced business landscape and humanitarian issues, and has acquired the necessary expertise to effectively cater to the changing needs in Nigeria and Africa

 

Additionally, his outstanding leadership is unmatched and his contribution to society is significantly substantial to be overlooked

 

Eniola Olushola has emerged as a leader with a deep understanding of African resourcefulness needs and the ability to drive innovation, foster growth, and lead with purpose through his transformative experiences in a highly competitive global environment

 

Eniola Olushola’s relentless pursuit of education demonstrates his dedication to amplifying his positive influence on our society. Through ongoing upskilling, he has empowered himself to address evolving business needs with ease

 

His acumen in top-tier programs reflects his commitment to balancing academic rigor with practical leadership

 

Eniola Olushola has achieved something remarkable at the academy and really deserves big congratulations.

 

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos.

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