1. Dance is considered a “moderate” workout – although if you’re doing something like the quick step it may rise above that level. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. If you enjoy dancing, it’s a great way to get those minutes. You are much more likely to exercise if it’s something you like!
2. Even ballroom dancing where you’re just gliding around the floor may use muscles you don’t usually use. You may feel it! Ballroom dancing works the backs of the thighs and buttock muscles differently than other activities such as a treadmill. You’ve added backwards movement – especially if you’re a woman.
3. Dancing is great for strengthening your core. All those fancy leg and arm movements take a strong core so dance will improve your core strength. Add Pilates to your exercise routine and it will help you with dance by building that core strength.
4. Dancing is great for the mind. When you learn a new dance, you’re training your brain to do a new motor skill. Better news, an observational study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that participants that danced had a lower rate for dementia. Dance is challenging to the mind as well as the body—and that’s a very good thing.
5. The dancing brain is going to enjoy these benefits. It’s going to get an increased blood flow as you dance – increase your aerobic activity with faster dances for even more blood flow. Dancing can also reduce your stress and even help with depression. It’s a great place to make new friends and that’s a great mental plus, too.
Dance is good for your body and your mind. So, how do you get started? If you’re an experienced dancer, you may be able to find a regular dance event at a local community center. If you need to brush up on your skills to get started think about going to a dance instruction center where you’ll enjoy both dance lessons and meeting new people.