Health Benefits of Dance

They have proven that dancers stay healthier and are less stressed at the same time. No wonder we love dancing as much as we do!

Ballroom Dancers Waltz to Healthier Hearts

In this NPR Morning Edition show, written by Allison Aubrey, she reveals the heart healthy benefits of dancing. You'll be glad to know they reported that "Italian researchers have found that just 21 minutes of dancing, three times a week, can match the cardiovascular benefits from working out on a treadmill or bicycle." Who knew?

Think of dance as a mental escape, a sort of runner's high that can change our mood. Here are just some of the ways your mind and body benefit from the movement and coordination of the aerobic and isometric exercises dancing delivers:

• improved condition of your heart and lungs

• increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness

• increased aerobic fitness

• improved muscle tone and strength

• weight management

• stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis

• better coordination, agility and flexibility

• improved balance and spatial awareness

• increased physical confidence

• improved mental functioning, memory

• improved general and psychological wellbeing

• greater self-confidence and self-esteem

• better social skills

Brain Benefits

There is much more detail on this subject found on the Fred Astaire Dance Studio website. I particularly like these points they list:

"Group activities such as ballroom dance lessons can expand your sense of social “connectedness”, which is beneficial to lowering stress and depression levels

Ballroom dance is similar to the practice of mindful meditation (which has been shown to significantly reduce levels of depression and stress) in that it requires you to fully focus your attention, and be present in the moment. This meditative state can help you “switch off” the negative thought patterns associated with depression or stress. For those who are not interested in traditional meditative practices, ballroom dance can be a great way to reap the same benefits.

The physical act of dancing releases endorphins, and lowers the levels of stress hormones in our bodies. This produces a sense of alert calm, and improves mood and energy level."

So many benefits - just waiting for you to take advantage of. If you're new to ballroom dancing and need a really good excuse/reason to give it a try, all the facts are there. No excuse not to join us for a lesson and low key, relaxed dance. You'll make new connections and enjoy the social aspect of our caring, friendly dance community. We're always looking for new members to share the joys of dance.

Here is a video from a club in New Jersey showing the kind of social dancing you might expect at our dances:

#healthbenefits