Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Should You Try Dance Aerobics?

Many people really don't dance that much these days. This is probably especially true after getting married and having a family, just due to the sheer lack of free time.

Because of this many people feel very clumsy when they dance. So why do dance aerobics?

One of the simplest advantages is that many people find it fun. The music adds interest to an activity that might otherwise bore you. And moving to a rhythm encourages you to keep up with the group, to keep trying. It also just feels good.

As with any other aerobic exercise, dance aerobics is good for your metabolism. It gets your heart rate up and works your muscles. Some steps help with your balance.

As with any workout, your clothes should be comfortable and your shoes suited to the activity. It's always important to correctly support your feet during physical activity. In addition to being comfortable, your clothes should help to wick away sweat.

There are different levels of classes you can take at your local gym. Talk to the trainers and figure out which one is best for you. You don't want to take a class that will push you so hard that quitting makes more sense than continuing to try. A good trainer will be able to help you figure out which class you would like to take. And if the class doesn't suit your style, consider trying a different one. Just don't give up on the workout as a whole.

The other challenge is getting over your self consciousness. When you don't know the steps, it's easy to feel embarrassed and clumsy. It can help, however, to remember that everyone else started out not knowing the steps, and that most of your classmates are solely interested in their own workout.

Take your time in figuring out what works best for you. Some people need to listen to the instructor to figure out what to do. Others do fine just watching the steps. But especially as you're learning, don't demand of yourself the intensity your instructor may perform. They know you will be working out at your level, and you can work up to the full intensity over time.

A good dance aerobics class may be one of the most "fun" things you do at a gym if it's a good match for you. Enjoying your workout is one of the best ways to get yourself to keep going back.

Stephanie Foster blogs at http://www.timeforexercise.com/exercise/ about keeping fit as a family. Get more family exercise tips at her site.

ballroom dance music

Bongos And Congas - Drums With A Difference

If you are interested in beats, then you are sure to be interested in other instruments besides the usual drums that can give you the right beats. Well then let us discuss bongos and congas from the family of drums.

Bongo is a small version of drums. Actually it is a compilation of two open-ended drums. These two drums are joined with each other. Drum heads are normally made of animal skins, but plastic made drum heads are also available. The body is made of metal, wood and sometimes with ceramic also. Both the bongos are of different size. And for that reason each of them sounds different. You have to coordinate between both of them, to play it well.

A pair of simple bongos does not have those stretchable drum heads that can be tuned to play different notes from different parts. But the better quality bongos have this option. Their heads are adjustable. These heads are fixed firmly with metal made bars.

The way of playing bongos is very interesting. You have to use your finger strips, heel of your hand and thumbs. You need to strike the heads with the help of these hand parts. Striking different place of the head will produce different sound. Special drum oil is necessary to protect the head of the bongo. Otherwise your hand and the air will absorb all the moisture of the bongo skin. This will make the bongo skin dry. It can also pave way for cracks.

The best thing about bongo is that it is small, and not very much expensive. And if you know how to play it and if you have some friends who can play bongo, then you can form a band. If all of you play together some small groove then it will sound amazing.

Conga is almost like bongo. But it measures quite high in comparison to other drums. It is slim build and single headed. It is a Cuban drum but probably it is derived from Africa.

The shells of most of the congas are made of wood or fiberglass. The playing system of conga is almost like bongo. They are normally 75cm tall.

Congas are used in both popular and folk music. African music has a varied use of congas. This instrument is also very popular in Rumba, Afro Caribbean, Latin and salsa music.

Bongos and congas are almost similar kind of instrument. But former are smaller than latter. There sound is not totally similar but they are not that much different also.

Both are rhythm instruments. Their playing style is almost same. Both of them are very popular. They can be used in almost every kind of music.

But there are some difference between bongos and congas. Bongos are easy to carry. But congas are not. Both of them have a different look also. Congo just looks a bigger version of bongo usually. But if you watch closely and minutely, then you can trace the difference. But whatever is the difference is, it can be said that both bongos and congas are brilliant instruments. And both of them can change the way a particular song sounds.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: guitars, drums, bongo, conga, drum heads, and synthesizers, keyboards.

80's dance music