[caption id=”attachment_296" align=”alignnone” width=”640"]
Dance is an excellent way to stay healthy and keep in shape.[/caption]
For some of us, it’s difficult to find time to be active.
With our work and lifestyles becoming increasingly sedentary, being inactive often becomes a habit that is hard to break. Especially when we try to convince ourselves that it might be better to relax rather than exercise!
Fortunately though, there are fun, and simple ways that make it easy to get moving and get healthy. One of the best ways to get active is to engage in activities that are fun and enjoyable. One such form of exercise -is dance.
Dance is an excellent option for those looking to become more active — without becoming bored. Not only is dance fun –it also offers significant health benefits including weight loss, heart health, stress reduction –and more. Let’s take a look at these health benefits and more and find out why dance is an excellent and healthy form of exercise…
1. Weight Loss
Dancing can be a fun way to burn off some extra calories and can help you to maintain a strong, lean healthy physique. While weight loss is usually thought of as a daunting task, with dancing, it’s fun and easy to lose weight. Time flies when you’re having fun and with dancing, it’s especially true. Dancing won’t make weight loss seem like a chore, but rather a fun activity you are willingly participating in.
2. Muscle Toning
Dancing doesn’t just burn fat –it will also help you to tone your muscles –leading to a faster metabolism and long lasting weight loss. When you focus on building or toning your muscles, your body has to burn a certain amount of calories to simply maintain your muscle tone -meaning that you will increase your metabolism, and burn more calories throughout the day. Dancing is an excellent way to build muscle, increase endurance, and improve overall health.
3. Improved Posture
Healthy posture can lead to improved health. Hours spent hunched over a computer can lead to a weakened lower spine, spine damage, and an achy back. It can also lead to stress, and put a negative impact on your body. Dancing promotes good posture, and helps to train your body to maintain better posture throughout the day. Better posture can lead to a healthier, more balanced life that can help to eliminate back pain caused by poor posture, and lead to improved breathing. Shoulders back, chin up, and chest out!
4. Stress Reduction
Dancing is an excellent form of stress relief. Dance, like any form of exercise, produces natural antidepressants such as endorphins that can help to improve your mood. According to one study on the subject, patients who participated in an upbeat group dance showed the fewest depression symptoms and the most vitality –another great reason to take up dance!
5. Heart Health
Dancing is a great way to help get your blood pumping, and can be a great activity for those who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. According to an Italian study, people with heart failure who took up waltzing experienced improved heart health, breathing, and quality of life significantly -compared to those who biked or walked on a treadmill. Of course, as when starting any new exercise routine, it’s best to check with your doctor first, just to get the all clear.
So how about it? Are you ready to step up to the dance floor and take advantage of some great health benefits? Who knew keeping healthy could be so fun?
Image: Earl McGehee
For more information on dance lessons or to get involved with a dance studio in your area visit DanceHub. Discover dance studios, dance instructors, and dance classes near you.
