Mark Benton, a versatile English actor and television presenter, is known for his roles in Early Doors, Northern Lights, and Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. Beyond his acting career, Benton's participation in the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing marked a significant turning point in his health and fitness journey. This article explores how Benton utilized dancing, particularly during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, to achieve substantial weight loss and improve his overall well-being.
Benton's Background and Career
Born on November 16, 1965, Mark Benton has had a prolific career in television and film. He attended Sarah Metcalfe Comprehensive School and Stockton Billingham Technical College. His early roles included appearances in Ballykissangel, The Second Coming, and Planespotting. Benton gained recognition for his roles as Martin Pond in the sitcom Barbara and Eddie in Early Doors. He also appeared in Doctor Who and co-starred in Scoop. His film credits include Career Girls, Mr In-Between, and Three and Out. Additionally, Benton starred in the BBC drama Waterloo Road as Daniel "Chalky" Chalk.
The Strictly Come Dancing Diet
In September 2013, Benton joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with world dancing champion Iveta Lukosiute. This experience led to a remarkable transformation in his physical health. Benton became an advocate for the Strictly Come Dancing diet, revealing that he had lost a significant amount of weight during his time on the show.
Weight Loss Details
Benton revealed he shed two stone (approximately 28 pounds) during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. This weight loss was particularly impressive considering it occurred over just five weeks. He had previously lost a stone (14 pounds) earlier in the year while performing in the stage show Hairspray.
In an interview with The Sun, Benton shared his enthusiasm for dancing as a form of exercise: "I've lost three or four stone this year, at least two since I started Strictly. It's wonderful. We must have done the cha cha to U Can't Touch This at least 20 times in a row. I'd say to anybody, if you want to get fit, go and dance."
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Costume Adjustments
The physical changes were so noticeable that his costumes had to be altered. Benton mentioned that his gold top from week four had to be taken in because it was too big, highlighting the extent of his weight loss.
The Benefits of Dancing
Benton's experience underscores the numerous benefits of dancing as a form of exercise. Dancing offers a full-body workout that can lead to significant calorie burning and weight loss. Beyond the physical benefits, dancing also provides mental and emotional advantages.
Calorie Burning
Even a short dance lesson can burn a substantial number of calories. One individual, while wearing a Ki Armband body monitor during a dance class that included rumba, cha cha, and jive, burned 124 calories in a 45-minute stop-start lesson. While this may seem like a small number (equivalent to about two biscuits), it's a great start and contributes to overall fitness when done regularly.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Dancing is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental wellbeing. As Jo Willacy notes, dancing offers great benefits to both health and fitness and mental wellbeing. Lisa Riley found dancing to be a great way to help her grieve after her mother's death. Similarly, others have found that music and dance help them feel sane and whole. One individual took up ballroom dancing lessons to relieve stress when his daughter was dying, highlighting the therapeutic effects of dance.
Strictly Come Dancing as a Fitness Platform
Strictly Come Dancing has often been a platform for celebrities to improve their fitness and lose weight. While some participants, like Ann Widdecombe, humorously reported not losing any weight, others have experienced significant transformations.
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Contrasting Experiences
Not all celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing experience weight loss. Vanessa Feltz, for example, claimed to have put on weight rather than lose it. These varying experiences highlight that individual results can depend on factors such as diet, metabolism, and the intensity of training.
Overcoming Expectations
Benton himself was pleased to surprise people with his dancing skills, defying expectations that he was merely a comedy contestant. This demonstrates how Strictly Come Dancing can challenge perceptions and allow participants to showcase hidden talents.
The Therapeutic Power of Dance
The therapeutic effects of dance extend beyond physical fitness. Dance can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and stress relief.
Personal Stories
The story of Diana Melly, wife of jazz singer George, illustrates the healing power of dance after loss. Similarly, the act of celebrating a loved one's life through dance, as seen with Kate's dance night at the Rivoli ballroom, demonstrates how dance can be a meaningful way to honor and remember.
Dance and Grief
Lisa Riley's experience of using dance to cope with grief underscores its potential as a therapeutic activity. The combination of music, movement, and social interaction can provide a sense of release and connection during difficult times.
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Incorporating Dance into Your Fitness Routine
Inspired by Mark Benton's weight loss journey and the broader benefits of dance, individuals can incorporate dance into their fitness routines. Whether through formal dance classes or informal dance sessions, the key is to find a style of dance that is enjoyable and sustainable.
Types of Dance
Various dance styles offer different levels of intensity and focus on different muscle groups. Ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, and contemporary dance are just a few options to explore.
Finding a Class
Local dance studios, community centers, and gyms often offer dance classes for all skill levels. These classes provide structured instruction and a supportive environment to learn and improve.
Dancing at Home
For those who prefer to dance in the comfort of their own homes, online dance tutorials and dance-based fitness programs are readily available. These resources make it easy to incorporate dance into a daily routine.