"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Let's dance! How Rhythmic Movement Can Improve Your Health

Both music and exercise help prevent and reverse disease. Combining the 2 can have more advantages than either alone.


Photo: iStock

Dance is a universal human experience. We dance to precise joy, rejoice life events, and enact religious and cultural rituals. Dance also has physical and cognitive advantages that will exceed other types of exercise.

What dance does in your health

How to start

If you've ever danced, you recognize how much fun it may possibly be. Even in case your rumba is a bit rusty or your back stride has slowed down, getting back into the swing might be easier than you think that. If you're not able to jump on the dance floor at the following wedding or class reunion—possibly you're a bit shy or feel like you could have two left feet—there are still ways you'll be able to dance. can enjoy.

Take a category. Many Y's and senior centers offer some type of group instruction for people of all skill levels. You can take lessons in Tai Chi (a meditation practice often performed to relaxing music) and Zumba (an aerobic workout that mixes steps and movements with a wide range of traditional dances, often Latin music). There is a possibility of Learning latest ballroom dance styles might be fun and difficult. If you don't have a partner, there's a world of people and line dancing that doesn't require pairing with one other person. Many dance studios and square dance and contra dance groups create a friendly atmosphere for people by promoting partner rotation, where you modify partners and dance with someone latest every time. You may additionally consider taking on (or resuming) tap, which builds bones, or ballet to strengthen core muscles and improve balance.

Dancing at home. If you must practice privately, there are a wide range of dance instruction videos on the Internet, similar to the favored “Dance for Dummies,” which show the steps in slow motion and will let you move at your personal pace. are Your public library may additionally stock instructional dance videos which are available to ascertain out. All you wish is comfortable clothing, a pair of supportive shoes, and enough room to maneuver freely.

“In any case you're getting the benefit of being connected to the music, so you're engaging a part of the brain that isn't necessarily being tapped when you're doing something more rote like walking. Yes,” says Dr. Elson