What's with all this Twerking??

People now are trying to find new and fun ways to work out. You can now do crazy things like playing video games on a stationary bike and even jump rope with out a rope.  In today’s blog, however, I would like to address twerking as a potential workout tool.

Now for those who don’t know about twerking, it’s been around for years. It was mainly seen at clubs and other adult venues. Over time it turned into a Youtube craze and then eventually, it became mainstream, thanks to Miley Cyrus. Reactions and opinions vary on this subject, but this proposes a legitimate question: “Twerking looks difficult; can it be used as a possible workout? Or is it just ‘sexual dancing?’ This would not be the first time something comes from the nightclubs and into workout studios. Recently, people started using pole dancing as a form of working out; now there are studios for pole dancing. To begin this twerking quest for answers, I first started by gathering opinions from Rec Center patrons/employees.

“Twerking can be viewed as an intense movement and shaking of the hip and buttox area, which enhances mobility skills and provides a good, productive workout” – Stephany O. (Fitness)

“Yes, it burns your legs and would be a great toning exercise… IF done correctly. Not Miley Cyrus twerking!” – Tiffany L. (Admin)

“I could see it being a part of a workout routine, but not just doing it in random places like the basketball courts.” – Bethany W. (OP)

The general outlook of twerking as a workout tool is positive. Most people could see it being used as an effective workout. But what do the professionals say?

Brian Krans from Healthline.com says, “Twerking burns between 5-8 calories per minute for a 150-pound individual. Twerking for an hour (should you choose to do so) will burn somewhere between 300 and 480 calories in an hour, about the same as 60 minutes of power yoga or an hour of moderate jogging.”

Glennisha Morgan from Frugivoremag.com quotes, “Dancer, dance-fitness pro, and the creator of Hip Brazil Dance and Fitness, Vanessa Isaac said that ‘twerking’ is good for cardio and also muscle toning. She says in addition to its fitness benefits, it can also be tons of fun. The few times that I’ve tried it in my mirror, I’ve walked away feeling sexy, confident, and full of laughter.”

 

Overall, twerking (done correctly) takes a lot of muscle control and it could be used to tone the hips, legs and butt area. It seems like this generation is more accepting to new and different ideas. I even tried giving twerking a shot, but I soon realized that I am a guy and my body doesn’t move in certain directions. Anyway, if you want to try twerking in the mirror sometime or do it with your friends and see how it works for you, you’re free to do so. As with anything, it’s all about what you want to do with it. 

- Just a thought, Devonte Hill