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Look: Health: Why Hip Hop is Top With the Teenagers ; Jane Woodhead Discovers a Type of Exercise Youngsters Won't Be Embarrassed By

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 January 2005, 12:00 CST

FOR a teenager, the way they look is probably one of the most imp or -tant things in life. Having the latest clothes and that sylph like figure, as seen on the catwalk and in all of the fashion and beauty magazines, is simply a must.

Yet the latest research has found that the majority of teenage girls are too embarrassed to exercise.

Now a new craze is emerging among the teenage population which is encouraging youngsters to shed the pounds and keep fit but at the same time enjoy themselves.

Hip hop dance routines and salsa are becoming increasingly popular, led by stars such as Beyonce Knowles (main picture) who puts her famously toned body down to her dance routines.

Salsa and hip hop provide a cardio vascular work-out for the whole body and are excellent for toning, being particularly beneficial for the bottom and leg muscles.

In both dance forms, the emphasis is on holding the stomach in and keeping the bottom tight, which will help you get a flat tummy and a Kylie bum.

Phil Stead, a fitness instructor at LA Fitness in Liverpool, explains: "Running around a muddy field in the freezing cold doesn't suit everyone and in many cases when teenagers think about exercise they recall those terrible PE lessons in school.

"There are lots of forms of exercise with different things appealing to different people.

"Teenagers should not let the word exercise put them off. Many do not like the idea of sweating while they are running on a treadmill in a gym but the idea of dance is something which we are finding does appeal.

"This is something which they will go out and do on a Saturday night so coming to the gym to dance does not seem like hard work or exercise to them.

"I think the fact so many celebrities are now promoting dance as a way of keeping fit is also appealing to the younger generation. "

Holly Williams, 17, from Aigburth has always been conscious about her body: "Despite being very concerned about the way I look, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym. I just hated the thought of going and working out next to a wall of mirrors.

"I heard about all the stars and all of these people who teenagers look up to doing dance to keep fit and decided to give it a try.

"I do hip hop and salsa classes every week and I really enjoy it. There is no doubt that it keeps me fit and in trim.

"I could not believe how much I ached after the first time. It seemed to be the muscles in my bottom and legs which hurt the most but I knew it must be doing me some good.

"Lots of my friends have commented that I look a lot trimmer since I have been doing the dancing. It is something which I would definitely recommend to other teenagers. "

Steph Rock, 18 (pictured inset) , also takes part in the classes, in addition to playing tennis.

She says that when she goes out at the weekend she too feels more confident in herself and more confident about her body: "I used to be a little self conscious on the dance floor but I am not any more.

"I feel more confident in myself to be able to go out on to the dance floor in front of other people and I feel a lot more confident about the way I look. "

The latest research was carried out by Bath University.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURNn WANT to know what's involved in hip hop? Then try the master class in St John's Precinct this Friday at noon.

nHip Hop classes will also take place every Tuesday from February 1, between 7. 30 and 8. 30pm, at LA Fitness in Mossley Hill. The course will run for four weeks. A salsa course will follow the hip hop sessions. n Step and dance classes are held every Tuesday between 6. 45pm and 7. 30pm. nFurther details on: 0151--724 6676.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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