What’s the BEST exercise for health and vitality?
Dancing, of course!
I am biased, I admit. I LOVE dancing. But, there is scientific evidence to prove that dance has some amazing benefits for your body and mind.
Why is dancing so good for you?
Anyone can dance. Really. Even if you have two left feet, you can move your body to a beat. So, dance is accessible to everyone regardless of weight, shape, fitness level or age.
Dance is a form of cardiovascular exercise – it improves the health of your heart, lungs and blood vessels but because you are not doing the same movement throughout (like running on a treadmill), your circulation system has to adapt constantly which has been shown to have greater benefit for aerobic fitness and endurance.
Dance improves stability and balance. You are moving in different directions and using all the muscles in your body when you dance. Dance conditions your nerve system and muscle coordination in a totally different way to other forms of cardio exercise. Older people who dance regularly are less likely to fall or struggle with balance.
Dance is wonderful for your bones. Most forms of dance will include some impact which is great for bone density. But, dance is gentler than high-intensity impact sports like running or HIIT which means you get the bone benefit without the risk of injury.
You are happier when you dance. Music is a powerful mood-booster. Listening to a good song can change how you feel almost immediately. Now, combine great music with physical movement that releases happy chemicals like endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, and you are sure to feel joyful.
Dancing is social. There is historical evidence like rock paintings and hieroglyphs the depict people living in ancient times dancing. Dance is ingrained in our DNA as humans. It brings us together and there is tremendous power in moving together with other people. You feel part of something bigger than yourself and the collective happiness is addictive.
Dance exercises your brain. When you dance, you have to coordinate movement is different from your normal day-to-day routine. Your brain forms new mental pathways and your nerve system is challenged by the constant changes in movement and direction. You also exercise your memory because you have to recall steps and patterns of movement. Dance is being incorporated as a therapy for people struggling with dementia and memory loss and can be more powerful than medications.
So, turn up the volume and let’s dance!
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