National Dance Day is this July 25th, and regardless of whether the thought of dancing conjures up memories of childhood ballet classes, Studio 54, or a short-lived foray into the world of improvisational dance, dancing is a great way of getting exercise. For many of us, going to the gym isn’t something that seems like fun after a long day. Dancing however, doesn’t feel like work when you’re moving and shaking to the beat, which probably explains the popularity of Zumba (the chiseled abs aren’t hard on the eyes either). If you’d rather not dance in spandex, that’s fine. All kinds of dancing are great exercise, but before you put on those dancing shoes check out these facts about the many physical and mental health benefits that come from getting down.
Grooving Good for Your Body
At some point around our early 30s our bones stop growing and unfortunately, it’s basically downhill bone-wise from there. Dancing is a weight bearing activity, which is basically any activity you do while standing upright that works your bones and muscles against gravity. This in turn builds bone mass, which is crucial as we get older. Just remember to wear “sensible” shoes when dancing so you don’t injure those aging ankles and knees!
Whether you’re throwing “hands up in the air like you just don’t care,” holding your arms in a perfect closed position during a waltz, or west-coast swinging, you’re building upper body strength. Most of us don’t do nearly enough upper body exercises, unless you count raising a coffee cup to your lips. All that moving around also increases flexibility and loosens up muscles and joints, helping to ease joint pain.
And of course, dancing brings up your heart rate and improves blood circulation throughout the body, making dancing a great activity for those of us at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Get Down for The Sake of Your Brain
Ever come off the dance floor smiling while wiping sweat from your forehead? It turns out that the benefits of dancing aren’t just physical, but mental. It’s a real mood booster! One study done by the National Institute of Health found that the joy participants experienced while attending tango classes reduced depression and stress significantly. The excitement of moving around, partner or not, produces the feel-good hormone serotonin that boosts energy levels, gives us a natural high and helps regulate other important mental and physical functions.
Dancing increases blood flow to the brain which in turn can improve cognitive skills. According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, learning new dance moves may boost your memory and prevent you from developing dementia as you age. Aerobic exercises like dancing can reverse volume loss in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, the parts of the brain that control your memory. Maybe it’s time to get back into that Samba class…
Let’s get this party started!
Whether it's ballroom dancing, hip-hop, belly dancing, or the jitterbug, dancing is without a doubt an exercise option that’s beneficial for wellness and longevity. It can help us feel young and energetic. It’s no wonder so many people enjoy dancing after a long week. Having fun with other people relieves anxiety and studies have shown that being around good company in an active environment helps with symptoms of depression associated with being lonely. Hanging out with great friends while getting a well-rounded work out? Sounds like a great time to us!
So get the girls together this weekend and channel those inner dancing queens!! Or, take your beloved out for some tango lessons to spice things up. The point is to get moving and have some fun, and just as dancing is a form of self-expression, support your health’s inner expression with Women’s Vitality. Get out on the dance floor!