Whether you know how to dance or not, the goal is to stay active in a fun and enjoyable way. However, this is not the only health benefit associated with activity.
The health benefit of dancing does not only include improved physical health, but mental well-being as well. If you are still looking for reasons to dance, let us give you 10 good ones.
Improves flexibility
You don’t have to be trained in dance to move your body to a rhythm. Play a random song or music and try to move your muscles to the beat. Dancing helps increase body flexibility and reduces stiffness. Even the simplest stretches can help relieve joint pain and any pain caused by other activities. However, keep in mind not to overwork yourself. Everything is good up to a certain limit.
Improves brain health
According to a study by The New England Journal of Medicine, dancing can boost memory and prevent the onset of dementia. Other studies also claim that aerobic dance exercises can reverse volume loss in the part of the brain that controls memory (the hippocampus), which tends to shrink in late adulthood.
Practicing enough to remember the steps of a particular song is also a great way to challenge the brain. It also improves muscle memory. When it comes to dancing, age is never a factor to worry about. According to experts, cognitive skills such as planning and organization also improve with exercises such as dancing.
Helps relieve stress
A study conducted by the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that couple dancing accompanied by soft music can relieve stress most effectively. Other studies also claim a similar result. However, they do not specify if it is limited to couple dancing and soft music or if it can include any duet performance with any type of music. Some also indicate that dancing can increase levels of the hormone serotonin, which improves mood.
Reduces depression
The effects of dancing on depressive patients have been shown to be very positive. According to the experiments conducted, those who participated in an upbeat group dance showed fewer signs of depression and thus were more energetic.
Increases energy
Research has shown that a weekly dance routine can improve adults’ physical performance and boost their energy levels.
Aid in weight loss
An increase in body movement helps to sweat more and this is a clear sign of weight loss. According to a study by Journal of Physiological Anthropology aerobic dance training is as effective as cycling or jogging when it comes to weight loss.
Improves cardiovascular health
It’s not new information that the faster you dance, the faster your heart beats. This can lead to a stronger and healthier heart.
An Italian study reported that people whose hearts were at risk when they started waltzing had significantly better heart health, better breathing, and better quality of life than those who simply cycled or walked on a track. conveyor belt.
Improved coordination between strength and balance
Even if you prefer to dance alone in private when it comes to learning a dance step choreographed by someone else, you want to perfect your movements and postures. It can help you gain more control over your body. Unlike walking or cycling, all of your muscles are involved in dancing. That’s why the harder you try to perfect each position and muscle alignment, the better the coordination between your strength and balance will be.
Better self-esteem and confidence
Studies have shown that dancers tend to report higher levels of self-esteem and more confidence. Despite the age factor, being able to dance gracefully elicits praise and boosts self-confidence. Dance forms such as ballroom dancing can help people with reduced mobility or chronic health conditions to get their issues under control.
Meanwhile, other forms allow everyone to express themselves freely, release their energy and practice discipline by memorizing and learning certain steps.
Social and emotional health improves
In silence, you may not want to push yourself hard enough to dance. That’s why enrolling in a dance class is a great way to make new friends and improve your social life. Having positive relationships with the people you meet on a daily basis is a major contributing factor to better mental health. Good communication and being social and vocal at times can increase feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and even lead to a stronger immune system.