Dancing to Drop Pounds

Ten weeks into my project of dropping my marriage freshman 15. So far, I'm down five measly pounds. My first step on my path helped me realize that I have a fantastic love for ambrosia-esque white carbs. I then strapped on a BodyMedia FIT Armband BW to measure calories in and calories out. Both of those moves pointed me to the next step in my process: upping the cardio. Because, let's face it: Cardiovascular activity is really one of the best ways to blast fat.

Now I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but while I have fantasies of running the ING New York City Marathon every November, there are few things in this world I hate more than cardiovascular exercise. Stretching and strengthening -- I say bring it on. I aim to do Pilates and barre work four times a week. But that huffing and puffing and getting my heart rate up sits on the same desire level I have for riding a bus from New York to Boston on a holiday weekend. In my defense, it isn't simply that I grossly dislike cardio; I have a serious case of exercise-induced asthma. Sometimes, I get winded just climbing the stairs from the subway.

Just because I've got the cardio capacity of a bulldog doesn't mean that I'm completely and totally anti all things heart pumping. I love to dance. In fact, for quite a long time I was a serious flamenco dancer. I practiced several hours a week and often gave private concerts with my professional teacher. So it stood to reason that when I went looking for a way to pump up my heart rate, I'd turn to dance.

One of the videos I've had hanging around my house is Bollywood Burn with Hemalayaa, a beginner workout that features three different Indian-influenced dance workouts. The workouts are broken down into 15-minute intervals, and each has the option to turn off the instruction, for just music.

There were a few things that I really liked about doing the videos. One: the aforementioned ability to turn off the instruction. Two: the easy-to-follow instruction. And three: the way I was able to move my body in different rhythms and angles. I also really liked how 15 minutes isn't that big of a commitment. No lie, it took me longer to decide to put on a sports bra and turn on the DVD player than actually do the workout.

I followed the video twice a week. But it was a bit of an effort to motivate myself. I had no one to answer to (except this column), and once I was moving, I felt like I wasn't getting the feedback that I've come to love in my Pilates and flamenco workouts. Having this as a backup is great. But I need to have someone pushing me (and, quite frankly, charging me, so I know that it's all an investment. Next up: I get out of my living room and into (eek!) the gym.

More on That's Fit:
Count Calories the Easy Way
Hooked on Carbs
"Dance With Julianne -- Just Dance" DVD Review