1. Improves cardiovascular health

The heart-pumping health benefits of dance are right in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelinesTrusted Source for adults. It states for health benefits, adults should do:

at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or

75 minutes to 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

Professional ballroom dancer and certified personal trainer Leon Turetsky says that all styles of dance make for great cardio workouts since your heart rate gets challenged from executing the different moves.

2. Improves balance and strength

Professional dancer Jonathan Tylicki, the director of education for AKT, a boutique fitness concept rooted in dance, says one of the reasons dance is such a great form of physical fitness is because it incorporates movements on all planes of motion and from all directions.

“Movements that we typically do in our daily life, like walking, taking the stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane, but dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles, meaning no muscle is left behind,” he said.

This type of movement not only increases strength, it also improves balance.

3. Gentle on your body

Many forms of dancing, such as ballroom, are appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues.

If you have concerns about the intensity of a class, talk with your doctor and the instructor before starting the class. They can help you with any modifications, if needed.

Dancing Benefits On Mental Health

Boosts cognitive performance

If you need a reason to get moving, consider this: A lot of research shows how dancing can maintain and even boost your ability to think as you age.

But how does this happen? Well, according to some studies, scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organizing, improve with exercise like dance.

Plus, unlike other forms of exercise, dance has the additional benefits of improving balance through rhythm and music.

Challenges your brain

If you’ve ever tried tap dancing, then you know exactly what we mean by dance challenging your brain.

Tylicki points out that the brain power you need to access for dance, specifically, requires you to focus on both the constant changing of movement and recalling moves and patterns.

This is an excellent form of mental exercise for your mind, regardless of your age.

Emotional

Is Inclusive

One of the greatest things about dance is that anyone can participate. If you’re able to move, even if it’s only your upper body, you can dance.

This equalizer is what makes dance so popular with people who typically shy away from other forms of exercise.

Can be a Social Activity

While you may prefer to bust a move when no one is watching, there’s something incredible about dancing with others.

Whether you join a ballroom or belly dancing class, dance with friends, or get shaking with your kids or grandkids, being around other people while dancing is good for your social and emotional health.

 Helps Boost Your Mood

“Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let loose,” Tylicki said. It’s this “letting loose” that helps improveTrusted Source your mental and emotional health by reducing stress, decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosting your self-esteem.

Give Your Memory a Boost

Did you know that dancing can increase cognitive acuity at any age? One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing may ward off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia based on the “use it or lose it” theory. Dancing takes advantage of our brain’s neuroplasticity and areas that require the brain to rewire themselves based on use. If these areas are not being used, they may die off as people age. Dancing requires you to remember moves, routines and make rapid-fire decisions — such as following a lead or changing moves quickly based on the music. All of this may keep the brain active, forcing it to forge new pathways and making you less likely to forget new information.

Like any exercise, dancing releases endorphins in the brain — which can improve your mood. Dancing also raises your body temperature, which has been found to have a calming effect. So next time a friend asks if you want to go out dancing, you may want to say yes!

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