Dancing brings to mind hours of enjoyment swaying to the beat of contemporary music. But dancing also has numerous benefits that extend beyond fun and entertainment.
Dancing empowers both the body and mind. It keeps a person in the pink of mental and physical health. We explain the benefits of dancing and introduce a few dances that will keep you in tip-top shape.
Seven Benefits of Dancing for Your Physical and Mental Health
Dance is a form of exercise and has the same benefits as other workouts, as research proves. It gives all people, including older adults, a mental challenge too.
Physical Health
1. Dance is a cardiovascular exercise
Dancing pumps the heart and gives it a thorough workout. It aligns with the health objectives of all government health departments.
To keep in line with these objectives, adults should commit to at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobics. Dance instructors suggest that all forms of dance benefit the body because they give the heart a thorough workout.
2. Improves strength and balance
Dancing incorporates movement in all directions and planes of motion, including lateral and rotational. It conditions all muscles. Because it is such a comprehensive workout, it improves strength and balance.
3. Gentle on the body
Many forms of dancing, such as ballroom, are appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues. All the dance forms you are familiar with suit people with chronic health conditions or who have limited movement.
Should you be worried that the dance form you’re thinking of learning is too stressful, speak with the instructor before the class. He or she can help you to modify the workout if necessary.
Mental and Emotional Health
Dance benefits the brain as much as the body. Much research proves that’s dancing enhances the way you think as you age. No one can dispute that dancing has lots of emotional benefits. Why not look your best and feel good too?
We give you all the reasons you need to start tapping your feet and swinging to the beat.
4. Boosts cognitive performance
First of all, dancing enhances your cognition. Research shows that it improves your mental faculties as you get older. How?
Scientists have made a happy discovery that the areas of the brain that control memory and other skills like organizing – collectively known as executive functions – improve with vigorous exercises like dancing. Dance also keeps the body in balance.
5. Challenges your brain
You wouldn’t argue that dancing is not the simplest of art forms. Tap dancing and the Cha Cha take patience, lots of coordination, and painstaking effort. In other words, it challenges the brain.
Why? Dancing requires the brain to focus on the constant changing of movement and recalling moves. It’s an excellent mental exercise, regardless of age.
6. Dance is inclusive and social
Anyone can dance, contrary to what you may believe. All it takes is the willingness to move. This equalizer enables people of all ages to participate.
You may prefer that no one watches while you dance, but you wouldn’t disagree that dancing with a crowd gets the adrenaline pumping. Dancing boosts your social and emotional health.
7. Boosts the mood
Have you wondered why people become more expressive than they usually are after they dance? Dance enables you to let loose. That means a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels. Your self-esteem gets a considerable boost too.
The Best Types of Dances for Mental and Physical Health
You’ll know by now that all dances will give you the comprehensive workout you need. This list of dances, separated into conventional and aerobic dances, will provide a better idea of their benefits.
Conventional Dances
1. Ballet
Ballet requires grace and poise. Ballerinas also need technical know-how. Avid dancers are aware that it is the foundational style for all dance. This art form allows dancers to develop balance, rhythm, flexibility, and core strength.
2. Belly dance
Belly dancing isn’t about showing off stellar abdominals. This dance form allows dancers to express themselves. It’s a rhythmic and fun style that enables novice dancers to tone their stomach muscles, core, hips, and arms.
3. Hip-hop
Hip hop lovers relish this dance form because it allows them to express themselves fully. Another side benefit of this modern dance form is that people get to tone their bodies. It develops posture and is an excellent cardiovascular workout.
4. Tap
Tap dancers learn how to hear different music layers and know which ones complement each other. They are, in effect, instrumentalists because they supply a percussive beat to the music. It’s a challenging dance form that benefits a user cognitively.
5. Zumba
Zumba is one of the most dynamic aerobic dance forms by far. This combination of Latin and International dance styles enables resistance, interval, and strength training. The alternating slow and fast rhythms allow the body to burn calories quickly.
It’s also an excellent cardiovascular workout. Being well-toned is everyone’s dream, and this fun-filled aerobic workout enables just that. Apart from this, it suits all ages and limits stress.
6. Jazzercise
Are you tired of boring workouts that seem endless? Jazzercise is exercise with a difference. Popular since the 1970s, it limits heart disease and boosts your energy. It works for all ages and enervates the entire body.
7. Ballroom Dancing
This dance form may seem only accessible to the well-heeled and polished, but it is far from being exclusive. Anyone can be a ballroom dancer. This dance form benefits by toning the muscles and burning calories while dancers have the times of their lives.
In a nutshell, the benefits of dancing are endless. It’s a chance to unwind and burn off unwanted calories at the same time. Any of these suggestions will do the trick.
