Coming from an East Coast family with a strong Scottish background, I grew up Highland dancing my way around the country. It is a highly competitive environment and I eventually quit to pursue other interests.
Last year I made a commitment to myself and my personal trainer to improve
myself and my fitness by working out four days a week. I had two days a week with my trainer but I had trouble with the other two days. I really don’t like any cardio machines or running and my schedule made it hard to attend more than one class a week.
Then one day at home, when I was tired of my workout DVD I just started Highland dancing. Highland dancing is very high impact – it is said that a two minute Highland Fling is the equivalent of running a mile. I grabbed my heart monitor and realized I was probably burning about 300-400 calories an hour just rehearsing the dances I could remember with YouTube videos. And I was having FUN!
I started dancing once a week in addition to the rest of my program and in three months, I had reached my fitness goals and lost 15 lbs. A couple months later, my newly ignited love of the dance had me performing at my cousin’s wedding, kilt and all!
What I have found is that, when working out for the sake of getting fit isn’t enough, find that something that you enjoy doing and add it to your program. It might be something from your childhood (street hockey anyone?) or maybe it’s something you never did but have an interest in.
You’re never too old to start something new or renew something you stopped.
Wow. Here I am thinking how nuts I am after 24 years hopping around my basement highland dancing!! Your story is almost carbon copy to mine! Bored of the gym, not a runner and getting bored of walking, I was in my basement one day and I just starting doing the highland fling. 4 step of course ha ha!
Most of the dances I could remember but some steps escaped me so YouTube was an excellent source to help me along. I’m 41 now and don’t think I felt the joy as a youngster as I do now, just practicing. What a workout!! I haven’t quit the gym or walking, but when I can’t go I do a few dances at home and already see a difference in my overall health and fitness. I remember as a teen having someone remark on what beautiful legs I had and I thank highland for that!! So whether you’re a beginner and curious or an old bag (pipe), give it a go! You’ll be happy you did!!
Hey, how about men’s running kilts? Ladies, would you like to see that?