Health Benefits of Dancing

We're not just talking about learning a dance routine and having fun in the process! Dancing in itself is an activity that can offer plenty of health benefits. There are all kinds of dance movements; the world is your oyster.
Health Benefits of Dancing

Last update: 19 May, 2019

Dancing has lots of health benefits in store for you. It’s not only good fun, but it also helps keep you in great shape. Are you familiar with all of the advantages it has for your body?

Dancing helps burn fat, tones muscles, improves blood circulation, keep joints flexible, zaps away stress, fights insomnia and depression…Yup! Dancing has endless benefits.

Dance comes in all flavors for any preference or age. Some people prefer ballroom dancing or Latin styles such as Tango, Bolero, Rumba, Salsa, etc. On the other hand, others might feel more inclined towards other sorts such as Belly Dancing or Flamenco.

Or, some people might opt for an artistic variety, such as Classical Ballet, Contemporary or Tap. All of these forms of dance improve physical and emotional health through fun, exercise, and music. In today’s post, let’s look at some of the benefits that dancing has for our health.

Main benefits of dance

Dancing is a wonderful cardiovascular exercise

Dancing really exercises the heart. It requires a physical effort that speeds up the heart rate, improving lung capacity. Dance is an aerobic activity that effectively reduces the risk of heart attacks.

On a different note, dancing regularly helps keep cholesterol levels healthy while lowering high blood pressure.

Lose weight through dance

Moving to the rhythm also considerably helps dancers shed weight. Thirty minutes of dancing can burn off 200 to 400 calories.

dancing calories

That means that dance is a great alternative to the gym or any sport. Along with a balanced diet, it can be a fun and effective way of maintaining a healthy weight.

Improves memory and fights against Alzheimer’s

Adding on to the benefits of dance, it helps stop and even reverse the losses in the part of the brain that’s responsible for controlling memory. In turn, it could help prevent dementia and other disorders that are associated with memory loss.

Additionally, learning new dance steps develops the ability to multi-task. It also stimulates memory. That makes dance a great way to take care of your brain!

When you dance, your brain gets a workout, which prevents diseases such as Alzheimer’s. There are a lot of benefits, right?

Dancing keeps you flexible and strong

You use all your muscle groups to dance, which keeps your muscles flexible and strong. That doesn’t just translate into a stronger body but it also means that you can enjoy more flexibility.

Depending on the dance, you’ll need certain physical characteristics. For example, some types of dance might require more flexibility or endurance than others.

Keeping your joints and muscles flexible helps reduce the risk of suffering injuries. Dancing also builds muscular strength considerably.

Your body becomes stronger because dance forces your muscles to hold your body weight. All your muscles enjoy the benefits, but your legs really rake in huge advantages.

Fights stress, anxiety and depression

One of the best benefits that dance has to offer is reducing stress levelsIt stimulates endorphin-production, which are the hormones that combat stress.

Additionally, dance also helps regulate serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that prevents and fights against depression.

dancing depression

As a social activity, dancing can also help dissipate loneliness and feelings of isolation in the elderly that live alone or suffer from depression. Dancing helps build personal relationships and new friendships.

In short, dancing helps you build on your self-confidence and self-esteem. Learning new steps and mastering them can generate confidence and happiness that flows into the other sectors of your life.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.