As January finally makes its appearance after weeks of Christmas celebrations, many of us sit back and adamantly create a list of optimistic New Year’s resolutions. From joining the gym to spending more time with friends and family, or simply eating less chocolate (nobody said our goals were fun…), we hope that these resolutions will leave us feeling more successful and content - IF we follow through!
Royston writes an exclusive piece for Female First
Put these uninspiring goals aside! Who said our New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be enjoyable? (Or realistic for that matter?) As we enter the New Year it’s important to set goals and make plans that enhance your life! You want to look forward with excitement, not dread, so say goodbye to dull gym memberships (which come March are likely to be covered with dust anyway), or diet regimes that lack any deserved treats.
Resolutions can surround light-hearted, fun activities that will keep you fit, allow you to spend more time with friends and release the stress of everyday life… yes, really! Wondering where to begin? Consider what makes you crease with laughter in a nightclub, a form of exercise that’s not completely dull… dancing.
Royston is a singer, dancer and choreographer to the stars; having performed with the likes of Michael Jackson whilst choreographing music videos for A-list celebs (Rita Ora being just one showbiz colleague), he’s experienced the many perks of honing your skills. Dancing needn’t be limited to nights out, the fun that this brings can be incorporated into your 2019 New Year’s resolutions! After all, it doesn’t just make you giggle…
Here are four reasons why learning to dance is the perfect New Year’s resolution, according to Royston:
1. It’s a great form of exercise
Dancing will leave you feeling more toned than ever before as this form of exercise tightens muscles, enhancing the strength that you’re capable of achieving. Meanwhile, there are a number of other physical benefits to engaging in this kind of active New Year’s resolution; improving the condition of your heart and lungs, increasing endurance, motor fitness and self-esteem, stronger bones, a reduced risk of osteoporosis and weight management to name just a few.
2. You can go at your own pace
If exercise is a priority this New Year’s, you might be tempted to join rigorous gym classes. However, it’s important to be realistic, realising that by throwing yourself in at the deep end you’re not necessarily going to get the best results. If anything, you’ll be more likely to throw in the towel by pushing yourself too far, too soon!
Dancing is an ideal, fitness-orientated New Year’s resolution because it allows you to go at your own pace. Not only can you choose which kind of dancing style you would like to pursue (from street to ballet, salsa or commercial, there’s a limitless variety!), you can also dictate how quickly you progress. Whether you start as a beginner or in an advanced class, tackle difficult moves in your third or thirteenth session, you’ll be enjoying yourself and progressing by your own books.
3. It’s a perfect group activity
If you want to try something new but don’t necessarily feel confident enough to tackle this on your own, then dancing really could work some magic. Dance classes are an ideal group activity; you can take friends along or choose to invite colleagues, motivating your co-workers to stay active. In either instance, you’ll be socialising while you work towards your 2019 fitness goals! By comparison, running on a treadmill now seems seriously boring.
4. It’ll make you happy; science has proved it!
It’s widely recognised that exercise releases endorphins, leaving you feeling happier as a result (for most, this only comes after a trip to the gym… in the hours leading up to another repetitive workout, we’re often anything but happy!). However, as dancing is a more enjoyable, light-hearted alternative, it’s easy to forget that this also leaves you filled with happy hormones. Plus, the endorphins you release won’t have to counteract the foul mood you find yourself in as you walk up to the gym doors… you’ll look forward to an entertaining dance class!
For a glimpse into Royston’s dance projects, check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialroyston/
Tagged in New Year