Dance to your health

Dancing can be magical and transforming. It can breathe new life into a tired soul, make a spirit soar, unleash locked-away creativity, unite generations and cultures, inspire new romances or rekindle old ones, trigger long-forgotten memories, and turn sadness into joy.

On a physical level, dancing can give you a great mind-body workout. Researchers are learning that regular physical activity in general can help keep your body, including your brain, healthy as you age. Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow. And dancing that requires you to remember dance steps and sequences boosts brain power by improving memory skills.

There has been some promising research in this area. For instance, a 2003 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ballroom dancing at least twice a week made people less likely to develop dementia. Research also has shown that some people with Alzheimer’s disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know.

Benefits Abound

Like other moderate, low-impact, weight bearing activities, such as brisk walking, cycling or aerobics, dancing can help:

  • strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
  • tone your entire body
  • improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
  • increase your stamina and flexibility
  • reduce stress and tension
  • build confidence
  • provide opportunities to meet people, and
  • ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression

So if you’re tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!

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Comments

  1. Cindy Says:
    June 30th, 2010

    I need an exercise program and nothing seems to be working. I love to dance, but am out of breath with just one 3 min song. I fear I could not make it through a 55 min dance class. Would I be able to have 10-25 minute private classes instead of 5-55 minute classes until I can shape up enough to dance straight through an entire class?

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