In different parts of the world, twerking is a dance move that some associate with gross behaviour, going as far as labelling those who perform the moves professionally and casually with derogative names.
This dance move which is executed through the up and down hip movements and a low, squatting stance has been practised in different parts of Africa as a cultural dance by some tribes for many centuries. In Côte d’Ivoire twerking is known as “mapouka dance,” shares Nigerian-based publication, Pulse.
While the dance may look sexually provocative, it has many health benefits that are not popularised but recommended.
Below we look at five benefits of twerking:
It tones your legs and glutes – The Nigerian publication shares that this sexy dance move works on the “glutes in a unique way through booty pops and shakes.” If practised regularly, this is then said to result in firmer glutes and thighs.
Improves sex life – According to Pulse, twerking does magic in the bedroom as a foreplay, the dance move is said to have the ability to arouse the man while making his woman feel sexy. This, in turn, pleases both the man and the woman in the relationship.
It strengthens your arms – Why pay a gym membership when you can wall twerk? “There’s a move called the ‘sexy push-up’ you can do instead and it’s just like a normal push-up, only way more fun,” shares broadcasting station CapitalFM’s The Sauce.
Stress reliever – As most dance movements are forms of stress relievers, twerking is no different. This is because when you start twerking you are bound to have fun, in turn forgetting about your troubles, even if it’s for a short while. The broadcasting station also shares that the dance is bound to improve flexibility, coordination and balance.
It improves your core strength – Twerking involves bracing the abs in order to make sure that you engage with the lower body muscles. This is an amazing core workout, The Sauce adds that regular twerking of about an hour is bound to shed 300 to 480 calories per hour. The same amount of calories one loses when jogging for an hour or doing a 60-minute power yoga.
Also see: 5 Reasons why dancing can improve your mental health
