We all know how fun dancing can be, and we look forward to the occasional chance to “get up and dance”. But did you know that dancing, at any age, has many benefits for the body and the mind.
Here are some ways dancing is good for your health:
- Slows down the brain’s aging process. Neuroscientists have found that dancing can slow down the brain’s aging process. The hippocampus area of the brain, which is responsible for memory, balance, and learning, is susceptible to decline as we age. Dancing increases volume in this area of the brain. The change in choreography and memorization of steps make the brain “work” extra, as opposed to other repetitive cardiovascular physical activities such as walking or biking. A 21-year study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine showed that aging adults who danced regularly had a 76 percent reduced risk for developing dementia. Dancing combines cardiovascular exercise with split-second decision making that forces the neural network to create new pathways. That is why dancing is so beneficial for our brain’s, and that of aging adults.
- Improvements in balance and strength. The journal of Gerontology did a study with older adult’s doing a few weeks of salsa dance classes. It’s findings showed that “Salsa proved to be a safe and feasible exercise program for older adults,” say study authors. It also showed increases in strength and balance, as well as commitment to the eight-week salsa dancing program. Over 92 percent ended up completing the study! Whether you stay seated or stand to dance, your core, lower body, and upper body will strengthen, your posture will improve, which in turn will help your balance overall.
- Decreased depression symptoms. Whether alone in your room watching a dancing workout or in a group, the music uplifts you and you can’t help but move along and smile. Australian researchers completed a two-week study on senior men and women with mood disorders where participants did a tango instruction program. The results showed that they felt less depressed and experienced significant reductions in their levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Reduce your pain and stiffness. Knee and hip pain and discomfort seem to be inevitable as we age. And even if you deal with it, dancing may be able to help. Saint Louis University did a 12-week program of low-impact dancing with participants averaging the age of 80 years old. The results showed that the participants were able to decrease the amount of pain medications they took by 39 percent. Along with that, the participants were able to move more freely and live more independently. “Walking just a little more rapidly can make enough of a difference for a person to get across the street more quickly or get to the bathroom faster, which keeps them functional and independent,” says study author Jean Krampe, Ph.D., assistant professor of nursing at Saint Louis University.
- Protects your heart’s health. Circulation, a scientific journal for the American Heart Association, did a study on aging adults with stable chronic heart failure. The study showed that participants learning how to waltz derived the same aerobic health results as they would from biking or walking, as well as other traditional styles of cardiovascular exercise. Dancing boosted heart health and improved breathing for people with mild to moderate heart failure. No special equipment is needed, just your chair to be seated in or to use as a form of balance if needed, and some space to move if you are able to stand. It can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintain a healthy body weight. And this will help your overall health tremendously!
- Fun!! Again, whether alone or in a group, have fun dancing. Let the music uplift you and get you moving; feel okay if you do not get the steps correct; take deep breaths and just have fun! Even if you can only watch, watch and remember. Let your mind go back to times previous. Reminisce , and know you are still able! You will be happy that you do!
In this workout we are incorporating salsa/latin dance music to get a great cardio workout! Cardio workouts can be a lot of fun especially when you incorporate music that you’ll hear in this video.
You don’t need to have music playing but it will help inspire you and keep you motivated! For this session, we are going through some traditional latin influenced moves that are low impact and easy if you are just starting out.
This routine is designed for beginners and is set up to be done easily in your own home. All you need is a little bit of floor space clear of anything that might get in your way.
You’ll get a great lower body and upper body workout, as well as entire core working, while raising your heart rate a little to strengthen your cardio health. All good things to get you feeling great.
Remember to always keep your water close and take breaks when you need to. It’s always important to stay hydrated and only do movements that are comfortable for you. Listen to your body first and foremost! And have FUN and be All Over Strong!
Team Meredith