Dancing is an enjoyable way of being physically active and staying fit.
Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations.
It is also a form of recreation and self-expression, a great way to keep your body and a mind healthy. Studies shows that moving to the music can make you happier, reduce stress, help you lose weight, stay flexible, boost your brainpower, improve your outlook, grow your social circle and protect your most important organs.
A study in Circulation: Heart Failure found that people with cardiac conditions who danced for just 20 minutes three times a week saw their heart health improve significantly more than those who stuck to traditional cardio workouts. Dancing also help make your skeleton strong, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. When researchers compared dancers with non-dancers, they found evidence that dancing may preserve both motor skills and perceptual abilities. A New England Journal of Medicine study of 11 physical activities found that dancing was the only one that lowered dementia risk by a whopping 76 percent.
The psychological benefits are also impressive. Research dating back to the 1980's supports the idea that dancing can curb anxiety. For decades, some therapists have prescribed dancing as an effective therapy for those who suffer from social anxiety and fear of public speaking. The idea is, if you can loosen up enough to boogie in front of strangers, you’re a lot less likely to feel self-conscious when hanging out or speaking in front of an audience.
A study from the University of Oxford suggests that dancing also seems to encourage social bonding and what psychologists call “self-other merging.” Like chatting with a stranger and finding out what you have in common. It helps you feel a sense of connection.
Health benefits of dancing:
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:
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improved condition of your heart and lungs
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increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
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increased aerobic fitness
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improved muscle tone and strength
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weight management
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stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
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better coordination, agility and flexibility
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improved balance and spatial awareness
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increased physical confidence
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improved mental functioning
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improved general and psychological wellbeing
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greater self-confidence and self-esteem
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better social skills.
References:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits
https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/health-benefits-of-dance.aspx
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19924622/dance-workout/
