Dancing... It's better than exercise!

I'm 61 years old. Until about one year ago, I had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and weighed at least 30 pounds more than my 5'2" height warranted. My aerobic activity amounted to walking to the mail box once a day - even this caused heart pain for me. In the previous 20 years, I'd tried every form of activity, including joining health clubs at least half a dozen times. Each time, I lost my motivation after a few weeks.

I also paid $700 for a Nordic Track, bought a pricey bike, and purchased a high-end treadmill. As with the health clubs, none of these items maintained my interest for very long. I'd long since concluded that unless an activity was FUN, I would not keep it up! How many others have fallen back into slothful lifestyles for the same reason? I think I'm rather typical.

About a year ago, I found myself in a bar with a rock band. My salsa class had been cancelled right above this bar, so I ventured into it. The music began, I moved a little to it, then eventually found myself up on the dance floor letting loose with moves I didn't even know were in me! By the end of the evening, I was given roses for being the "best dancer of the evening".

This obviously got my attention and, over the next few weeks, I began to "try out" my newfound love of free style dancing at a local tavern which features live bands every night of the week.

In the months since, I've lost 40 pounds without changing my eating patterns and gone from a size 12 to a size 2. I am having a BALL whether dancing with women, men, young or old. I am having so much fun that I'm seriously considering changing my career from a therapist in private practice to a dancer. Yes - at age 61 - I am passionate about finding ways to model having fun at this age to others in my cohort.

Now, at the very age when most women relinquish youth and vigor, I am just beginning to discover my own. I figure that, "If I can do this, anyone can!" and want to find a way to enthuse other middle-aged women. Actually, every time I dance, young women approach me saying, "I want to be just like YOU"!, so this is not only for the middle-aged.

I've become so passionate about this that I was recently nicknamed the "Dancing Grandma" as I have seven grandchildren. I'm dancing at least 15 hours a week and, unless I go on week ends, this health club is FREE because I don't eat or drink during my "work out". I've also discovered that the joy and uninhibited way I dance is very contagious. People all around me are dancing and having fun in ways they never imagined!

I've acquired nick names such as "Tiny Tina" and "Dancing Queen of Navarre" in the lake area. I'm very aware that being my age affords me license to be applauded rather than criticized for my theatrical dance moves.

In short, I've never been healthier OR had this much fun. It's harder than ever for me to imagine how anyone can tolerate the monotony of hours on a treadmill or stationary bike when they could be dancing their hearts out to live music!

Finally, whether proficient or not, I've come to believe that deep inside each of us is a little dancer just waiting to come out if the conditions are "right".

Comments

[Sarah and Bobby]

We looked at your website. It's great, you are very inspirational! Why don't you come to Bunkers on Sunday to Alex and me and Heatbox? We love you anyway!

[Sharon L]

Wow Nancy, I hope I look as good as you when I'm your age! Dancing IS great exercise. I used to do it all the time. You inspire me to get going again!

[Joanne K]

You go, girl!

Maybe you'll inspire me the little dancer in ME to come out.

[Julie]

I think you're wonderful, Nancy. Keep it up.

[Maryann]

You are an amazing woman and most inspirational! I have seen you dance at the Narrows and wished I could be out there with you.....me with NO rhythm or grace whatsoever! Dance on.....maybe next time I WILL join you!

[Faith Ralston]

Nancy is a ball of positive energy. Her enthusiasm for dance is topped only
by her enthusiasm for life. She's earned the right to lead the way for
others who want greater passion and joy in their life.

Faith Ralston
CEO of Leaps of Faith, Inc

[air yeezy]

No matter how gluttonous devouring all the time, we need to breathe at this time, and strive to win our reputation, the sickle of time can not hurt us. - William Shakespeare

[remedy]

I'm really glad that you've made your own web resource and have actually gived to the world your thoughts. I love your work and feel I can refer to what you've done. A lot of people can't even imagine having such talent. I hope that you know how lucky you are. :) Good luck to you in all your aspirings. :)