We all know that we love dancing and that it makes us feel great, but do we realise just how good it is for us? Below are a few reasons why dancing is a great workout and very beneficial to our health and well being.
So never stop dancing!
Keeps us trim
Dancing burns anything from 100 to 500 calories an hour! Salsa and aerobic dance workouts burn the most calories, but ballet can burn around 300 calories per hour.
Tight and firm
Dancing strengthens and tones the legs and body. If the core stomach muscles are engaged at all times, as they should be, dancing can help build that six pack! Particularly if stomach work is incorporated into your warm ups.
Flexibility
Dancing builds and maintains flexibility of joints and muscles which helps prevent injury in our daily lives and keeps us mobile as we age.
Strong bones
The impact of movement and jumping actually helps strengthen bones, aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Lubricated joints
The moving of the joints helps keep them mobile and lubricated, helping in the prevention of arthritis.
Mental strength and memory
Have you ever had to learn a routine quickly and then reverse it to the other side? This is a great workout for your brain. Dance improves memory by making you recall steps, positioning and patterns. This helps keep your brain alert, quick and open.
Keeps us young
Dancing is a great anti-aging treatment, retarding the aging process immensely as it benefits our heart, cardiovascular system, lung capacity and overall wellbeing. It helps to keep us looking young too, as it keeps us supple.
Lowers bad cholesterol
Dancing aids in lipid control which lowers bad cholesterol levels.
Balance
In dancing we have to balance in many different positions on a regular basis. This strengthens our stabilizer muscles and builds our core, keeping us less prone to injury in daily life.
Happiness
Dancing elevates our mood, and gives us feelings of happiness by raising our endorphin levels. The adrenalin associated with nerves before entering stage or mastering a difficult trick or lift can help give us a natural high also. If you’re feeling down, just pop on some music and get up and dance!
Social Benefits
Your dance partners and dance class peers can become an important part of your life. You have fun with them and share many experiences that only dancers understand. Dancing can help you build great friendships, as it is both recreational and entertaining. Friends provide us with support, many laughs and a chance to grow and learn from others.
Reduces stress and increases energy
Have you ever just wanted to dance to get away from the stresses of daily life? Dancing increases blood flow and reduces tension, and with any aerobic exercise, dancing can help build stamina and energy levels.
References:
2006, B. Craddock, ‘Benefits of Dancing & Quick Tips for Staying Healthy’ www.dancescape.org
‘The Health Benefits of Dancing-Including Specific Benefits of Different Dances’ www.SixWise.com
R Allen, ‘Over 20 Great Benefits of Dancing’ www.rjdance.com
Share this:
