shimmying into shape<\/a> with the new fitness craze of learning to dance. \u00a0 In a recent survey, the top 10 fitness trends of 2014 include weight loss, functional fitness and programs for older adults. Dance offers all three in a fun, creative space. \u00a0 \u201cDance provides the health benefits people crave in an exhilarating environment\u201d says Jack Rothweiler, President and CEO of Fred Astaire Dance Studios. \u201cThere can be gain without pain!\u201d<\/p>\nWhy it\u2019s better in the Ballroom \u00a0 Research conducted over the last 20 years reveals a long list of physical, mental and emotional benefits from dancing. Here are a few of our favorites: \u00a0 Weight Loss: According to Mayo Clinic, dancing continuously for 30 minutes has the same impact on weight loss as walking, swimming, or cycling? \u00a0 Consistency counts: The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition states that a weekly dance program improves physical performance and increases energy levels among adults. \u00a0 Heart Health: Mayo Clinic also has stated that consistent social dance exercise leads to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. \u00a0 Bone up: Even if you\u2019ve got two left feet, you\u2019ll want them to remain strong! The American Council on Exercise found that dancing boosts bone density, along with muscle strength and coordination. \u00a0 Fight off the Flu: The National Institute of Health reports that dancing increases the rate at which antibodies flow through the blood stream, boosting immunity. The increased body temperature generated during moderate exercise can help prevent bacterial growth which causes the flu. \u00a0 Stress Buster! Research in the Journal of Applied Gerontology reveals dancing with a partner or by yourself to music is a great way to relieve stress. \u00a0 Tango on: Complimentary Therapies in Medicine published a study which found that doing the tango resulted in lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety. \u00a0 Dance Benefits for Seniors \u00a0 Fights Dementia: The New England Journal of Medicine found in a 20-year study of more than 500 senior citizens, ages 75 and older, dancing was the only physical activity that prevented people from developing dementia as they age. \u00a0 Builds Strength: According to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, side-to-side motions of many ballroom dances, such as mambo and swing, strengthen the tibia, fibula, and femur, and also help in the prevention or slow loss of bone mass associated with osteoporosis. \u00a0 Helps Balance: The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity also states that tango dancing helps older adults with balance. \u00a0 It\u2019s Fun: Dr. Jonathan Skinner, Queen\u2019s University of Belfast, Ireland, recommends social dancing as a great way to keep older Americans engaged.<\/p>\n
Aside from giving people something to enjoy, it reduces social isolation and even the aches and pains frequently experienced in old age. \u00a0 Whether it\u2019s your first time in the dance studio or a chance to return to the dance floor, dancing is the optimal way to enjoy the mental, physical and emotional health you\u2019re looking for in the New Year!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Self-improvement and weight loss are the most popular New Year\u2019s Resolutions, but, according to International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association, 40 percent of all folks will cancel their gym membership within six months of registering?\u00a0 \u00a0 So, if you are bored with barbells or tired of the treadmill, you\u2019re not alone. This year, people […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[33,34,35,42,43,37,38,39],"class_list":["post-2753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ballroom-dance-articles","tag-ballroom-dancing","tag-connecticut","tag-ct","tag-dance-instrucor","tag-dancing-and-health","tag-fred-astaire-dance-studios","tag-learn-to-dance","tag-southbury"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2753\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Health](\"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/southbury\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/04\/Health-and-dancing-southbury.jpg\")
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