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| Dancing and Health
Moving to music appeals to our most primal instincts: dance has been a part of culture for as long has man has walked the planet. It stimulates the senses - sight, sound and touch - it's great fun and it's good for our bodies and minds.
Dancing is a great way to build physical activity into our lives. And with so many different styles, from ballet to modern, jazz to hip-hop, - there's something for every pair of dancing feet.
Regular dancing will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Dancing helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis because the dance steps put a strain on your bones, helping them to stay strong and dense. The more dense your bones are, the longer your bones will remain strong and less likely to fracture if you should fall.
Also the dips, turns and side-to-side movements in dance routines make good use of your muscles and joints, helping to delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
Other skills you'll develop as you learn to poise and grace - encourage coordination, balance and muscle strength. These are particularly important in later life as it helps to reduce the risk of falling allowing people to maintain their mobility and independent living.
Exercise improves circulation and helps prevent oxygen starvation to the brain, and remembering complex steps stimulates the working memory.
And there's some evidence that listening to music while you exercise stimulates mental functioning more than silent activities.
Being part of a group, team or community is one of the keys to a happy life, bringing emotional support and a sense of purpose. To get the most out of social dancing, go for regular group classes aimed at your level of ability, where you'll meet up with the same like-minded dancers each week.
Benefits Abound
Like other moderate, low-impact, weight bearing activities, such as brisk walking, cycling or aerobics, dancing can help:
- Strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
- Tone your entire body
- Improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
- Increase your stamina and flexibility
- Reduce stress and tension
- Build confidence
- Provide opportunities to meet people
- Ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression
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