I Hope You Dance

Have you ever picked up a little child, gently tucked their tiny left hand in your right hand (fingers extended between your own), then playfully danced all around the room? Within seconds tears are dried and replaced by giggles.

I guess you can tell I've tried it more times than I can count. What is it about dancing that distracts us from present concerns and elicits laughter?

Generally speaking, when it comes to exercise, I prefer the old-fashioned methods. Just give me a bicycle, gazelle, elliptical, stairclimber, weights, steps, or the open road and I'm good to go. Recently, however, I have become fascinated by the dance simulation game known as Dance Dance Revolution or simply DDR.

DDR began as an arcade game in Asia and quickly became a national obsession in Japan following its introduction there in 1998. Conceptually, Dance Dance Revolution is a simple game. The player stands on a platform or mat designed with 4 basic arrows -- up, down, right, left. On the screen the same 4 stationary arrows are positioned at the top. Meanwhile, moving arrows are scrolling from the bottom to the top of the screen. When a moving arrow goes into the stationary arrow shape, it's time for the player to hit the similar arrow on the mat with his/her foot. Of course, that describes the beginner level. As a player improves, more challenging levels of play are selected from the game menu. I can't tell you much about those yet.

Believe me, DDR is simple to understand, difficult to master, and highly addictive. Besides that, it's a fantastic aerobic workout and a hilarious spectator sport.

I never cease to be amazed by the creativity of our younger generation. They may not enjoy workouts that tout blood, sweat, and tears, but they're first in line to dance. They have introduced me to the Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Tootsie Roll, and the Wii, and I will never be the same. Something happens to my joints and muscles when I hear their music, and my body behaves in the strangest contorted ways. That's not to mention what happens when I hear the youtube wedding song; I won't even go there! What has happened to me in my more mature years? Do you know what I'm talking about? Really, I think I still owe apologies to several little folks that I ran over on my way to the dance stage when that song played at my daughter Allyson's recent winter wonderland wedding. Truly, an out-of-body experience.

Several years ago, Lee Ann Womack popularized the song I Hope You Dance. As I listen to its words, I think she is saying we should never let life drain us of our passion and joy. I think she wants us to fan the fire that wakes us in the morning, sustains us through the day, and gives us peace at night. And I'm certain she is reminding us of the greatness of our Creator. But the more I watch the gleam in the eyes of those who are moving to the beat of their favorite music, the more I understand why she repeats the line ". . . and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I Hope You Dance! "

This week I hope you'll turn on the music, clear out the furniture, and yes, I hope you'll dance!

JB

Lifestyle Fitness

Are you wanting to get fit but don't know where to start? Are you more than a little confused by all the fitness jargon? Have you concluded that having a toned and conditioned body is only for the rich and famous? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this blog may be just what the doctor ordered.

The opening decade of the 21st century will inevitably be described as a time of fitness revival. Moms, dads, kids, and grannies are grabbing their water bottles, sneakers, and towels and heading to the gym, park, track, or backyard. And I might add, not a minute too early! With fitness-related illnesses on the rise and overweight-obesity rates at a staggering 62%, what began a few decades ago as a health battle has now escalated to all-out WAR! And in this case, the fight is not one that we can afford to lose!

While many questions remain unanswered, physical wellness is not an unattainable wish. Regardless of age or health status, a person CAN improve health and fitness by making better decisions about lifestyle. By focusing on controllable habits of diet and exercise, the journey to an improved dimension of wellness is underway. Of course, we both know that THIS journey never arrives at a static destination. Rather, it is a dynamic process of lifelong change and growth.

I hope you're ready to get you and your family started. Sorry, if you're expecting magic dust -- no magic involved, just habit metamorphosis. But, just like you manage the shopping, cleaning, budget, cooking, and every other aspect of mothering, YOU can do this. Afterall, that's your gift -- caring for those you love.

This week's exercise emphasis is walking, that's right walking! So, how much walking and what kind are we talking about? Let's start with a minimum of 20 minutes on 3 days (5 would be better), arms slightly pumping, fast enough to maintain a conversation, but not to sing. Breathe in through the nose and blow it out through the mouth (more on this later).

Diet emphasis for the week is water. Divide your weight by 2 and chill that many ounces of water each night for the next day's consumption. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, you will want to drink about 80 oz of water throughout the day and concluding by supper time (unless you enjoy nighttime potty visits).

Now take a deep breath and smile, you are on your way to lifestyle fitness, and it's impossible to travel alone! JB