Twerking: A sporty workout or a provocative dance?
updated the 14 July 2015 à 18:31Tired of the usual Zumba sessions? Well, twerking, once popularised by Miley Cyrus, has landed in most gyms. Is it a man’s fantasy or a true fitness workout? You decide.
The dance, almost exclusively based on the movements of the butt, is popularly seen in nightclubs and dance battles with several dancers twerking to victory. In the UK, there are even Twerk championships where their sole purpose may just be to frighten the male audience. Even if twerking is considered sexy, it can also quickly become rather provocative. Just take a quick glance at some videos on youtube and the endless slew of lustful accompanying comments.
So now that twerking has made its appearance in gyms, reception to the ‘activity’ has been fairly mixed. But here’s why it could actually be a good fitness workout.
What are the benefits of twerking?
Basically, with twerking, you’ll learn to move your butt according to a rhythm and you’ll be surprised by just how many different movements that can be achieved! Practicing this form of exercise on a regular basis can help to tone muscles at the abdominal, glutes, adductors, legs and back areas. The choreography includes a sequence of movements where the muscles are mobilised in isolation, each in turn.
Twerk courses are actually really fun and the 45 minutes will whizz by without realisation. Yet you will burn up to 400 or 500 calories in one course! It’s no doubt a good way to gain a good dose of self confidence as well.
Maia Baudelaire
Maia Baudelaire is a nutritionist expert in eating behavior and founder of ‘I Love My Diet Coach’.
