Want to lose weight? Dance those calories away

Your New Year's outfit is all ready. But are you? You've wanted to shed those extra pounds forever. What better way to do it than with dance? What's more, include your better half as well.

Whether it is the Cha Cha, the Salsa, the Samba, the Foxtrot or the Jive, dancing is known to burn as many calories as walking, swimming or even cycling.

There are a lot of health benefits that help even your heart! So come on twinkle toes, take a look at how you and you partner can stay healthy dancing.

In the picture: Nicole Scherzinger (lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls) performs at the Live Earth concert held at Wembley Stadium. (Pic courtesy: Gettyimages)

Make no bones about it

The side-to-side dance movements are known to strengthen your bones. They are also known to keep you flexible and slow the loss of bone mass.

You know what this means right? It helps prevent fractures and works the way calcium does.

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Your heart is dancing... to health

Believe it or not, regular dancing will help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and even keep your heart rate in check.

Speaking of hearts, your love connection only gets stronger with each move.

In the picture: Madonna during her 'Sticky and Sweet Tour' held at Wembley Stadium. (Pic courtesy: Gettyimages)

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Twirl to be flexible

Dancing also helps stretch and tone your muscles.

It increases the oxygen supply to the muscles, which increases your stamina, in case of any strenuous activity.

In case of a major physical ailment or a previous heart attack, please check with your doctor if you can enrol.

In the picture: Jennifer Lopez performs onstage at the Conde Nast Media Group's Fourth Annual Fashion Rocks Concert. (Pic courtesy: Gettyimages)

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18 till you die

Dancing not only makes you two feel young but look it too. Besides burning calories, it relieves you of stress.

Dancing increases the blood flow to your brain, which makes you more alert.

In the picture: Britney Spears performs on ABC's Good Morning America. (Pic courtesy: Gettyimages)

Hey, remember...

1. If you are not used to regular activity, then do a few warm-up exercises before class. A few stretches or spot jogging helps you loosen up.

2. Begin with slow moves and then get into the pace.

3. Stop if you feel breathless or uneasy.