Everything about my classes is designed with purpose with the ultimate goal of giving you 50 minutes where you can get lost in the movement, knowing you are moving safely for the benefit of your mind and body.
Movement gives us healthy joints, strong bones, physical strength; good circulation, including cardiovascular circulation; good coordination and reflex reactivity, improved learning skills and concentration, and mental well-being. Without it, our bodies would deteriorate and we would lose our ability to live independently.
Side to side travel strengthens our hip muscles which are needed for balance.
Forward and back travel strengthens our thigh and calf muscles which are needed for walking, kicking, and jumping.
Diagonal travel strengthens the hip joint and improves coordination in walking, reducing the fear of falling.
Circle travel improves your physical stability, preventing dizziness.
Spin/pivot moves strengthen the 6 muscles supporting your hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation.
Movement across the midline strengthens the link between the left and right brain needed for the bilateral coordination necessary for fine motor skills.
4-wall dances improve spatial orientation so your brain can determine where you are coming from, where you are now, and where you are going.
Back and shoulder strength is needed for good posture, keeping your upper body upright.
Arm strength is important in performing every day tasks and activities of daily living.
Core strength helps keeps you upright, reduces low back pain and falls risk, and prevents fatigue (so other muscles don’t have to work so hard).
Oblique (side) muscle strength is important for posture and is critical for life as they help you breathe (exhale).
Gluteal muscle (butt) strength is needed to maintain proper pelvic alignment and balance and combine with strong thighs so you can get-up-and-go.
Leg strength is not only important for balance and movement but recent studies have shown that strong legs (especially when you are younger) can reduce the risk of cognitive diseases later in life.
Rapid hand/arm movement is a brain exercise that works the part of the brain responsible for movement, keeping it “fit” which reduces the risk of tremors and balance issues.
Power moves (like the haka) feed the self-inspiration part of the brain, important for feeling strong and independent.
Stomping your feet is not just a power move, when you forcefully hitting an immovable object (the floor) you are building bone strength.
At the end of every class, we do a final stretch into the prayer pose. Here we are grateful for everything our body has just accomplished and forgive it for what it couldn’t do perfectly.
Whether you follow me, add your own flavor to my moves, or totally freestyle to a playlist of island rhythms, I guarantee you will get a workout and have fun.
I don’t care how you move, I care how you feel when you move.
Updated June 2023
KIWA dance fitness 