Business Idea #4: The Fusion of Dance and Fitness

There are dance studios and there are health clubs, but I have yet to see a successful intersection of these two ideas.

Dance studios generally feature classes in Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, and perhaps Hip Hop...most of the classes are geared to kids. At prestigious studios, kids dress in black leotards, pink tights, and dance shoes.

Health Clubs and fitness centers generally cater to adults (think: Curves, 24 Hour Fitness, etc.) and offer amenities such as weight rooms, swimming pools, and group fitness classes. The group classes usually range from Pilates and Yoga to Aerobics and Kickboxing, but dance classes are rarely offered.

What I'd love to see is the fusion of these two concepts: A dance studio for adult women with the intent purpose of fitness and without the black leotard requirement. Class offerings could include: Ballet, Funky Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Most women (including me) have fond memories of taking dance classes as a child and would love to get some of the health benefits as an adult. I would definitely try a Funky Ballet, Jazz, or Hip Hop class with friends.

This could be a brand new business concept. Or a dance studio could start offering classes specifically geared to women with the expressed purpose of fitness. Or a health club could hire a dance instructor.

P.S. I am not interested in starting up this type of business so I am hoping that one of my business-savvy readers will. Invite me to the Grand Opening!

(Photo by: northbaywanderer)

Secret Ambition (P.S. It involves Exercise)

Today, I started a running regime - my plan is to run a 5K this winter. This morning, my husband and I put our daughter in our jogging stroller and went for a 25-minute training session.

Now, I'm on-the-lookout for running advice, especially about running products. Tell me about the most comfortable tennis shoes, the cutest workout attire, the most supportive sports bras, and the most energizing tunes for the road.

***Note to Companies: I am open to doing reviews on products or attire related to health, fitness, and running. Please direct all inquiries to: stephaniesheaffer@cox.net.

More on Fringe Benefits - how to keep your employees happy...and healthy

The exercise and diet choices of your employees are a personal matter. You certainly can't control how much Pepsi your secretary drinks or how much your colleagues work-out at the gym...or can you?

Healthy people are happier people. They are less depressed and less sick - and, in turn, usually live a lifestyle that promotes health for their entire family. As a manager or CEO, you benefit when your employees make good fitness and dietary choices - and it doesn't hurt to encourage [and model] the desired behaviors you want.

Try this...
A. Partner with a local gym to offer free or discounted memberships to employees. If you want, put conditions on the offer. For example, it's only free if they go to the gym three or more times a week.
B. If you have space, consider adding a gym and/or cafeteria and/or walking track on-site at your company.
C. Have a local bagel shop or healthy eatery drop by in the mornings or afternoons to sell healthy snack options (bagels, fruit cups, yogurt, trail mix, etc.).
D. Give all employees pedometers and create some kind of competition so that employees keep track of the number of steps they take per day.
E. Let employees leave one hour early once or twice per week IF they can show proof that they went to the gym or exercised instead.
F. Put together a company team for a local marathon or race.

Fitting Fitness In

Exercise is important to me.

The benefits are too many to list in one blog post (lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces risk of all kinds of cancers and diseases, more energy, better self-esteem, improved appearance, etc.).

I've been thinking about how to best fit fitness into my life. My calendar is already overflowing with my marriage, my baby, my friends and family, working, blogging, reading, volunteering, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, the list goes on.

Before I go on, I must say that I am relatively healthy compared to the norm. I walk for 20-30 minutes every day. I rarely drink soda (as in, once every six months). I avoid excessive sugar. I drink A LOT of water. We "eat in" almost every night. We don't watch TV. And, of course, I chase my toddler around the house.

But I don't get the kind of heart-pumping, muscle-building work-out that I should. I used to play on a womens soccer league, but I don't think that's feasible now (too much on the calendar). I considered a gym membership for about a millisecond, but I think most gyms are overrated (dirty, unimaginative, embarrassing...I'll save that for another post). We had a treadmill, but we sold it on CraigsList (too boring).

I think the best option is probably running. Yep, good old-fashioned fitness. Low expenditure (good running shoes), high return.

Now, if I can only fit it in...more on this on another day...

(Photo by: timtak)