I love to watch people dance, and obviously others do as well because competitive dance shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance are dominating the world of reality television.
But what’s even better than watching someone dance is actually getting up and dancing. You don’t need to be a dance pro to move to music, you just need to let go of your inhibitions and enjoy the process of moving to music.
If you’ve ever watched young children at a wedding reception, they love to get on the dance floor and move around. They’re not self-conscious or embarrassed. However, as we age, our fear of looking foolish or of not doing something perfectly keeps us from enjoying the moment.
That’s a shame, because the physical and mental benefits of dancing are numerous. Regardless of the type of dance—be it ballroom, ballet, Zumba, salsa, hip-hop or line dancing—each style can play a role in helping us stay fit.
Why Dance?
The fitness and health benefits of dancing are numerous. A recent study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that older adults who participated in dance once a week for 18 months actually had an increase in their brain’s hippocampus size.
This is great news, as the hippocampus plays a key role in learning and memory. Dance is an art form, merging creativity, self-expression and physical activity—all of which boost mental health.
Other Fitness & Health Benefits of Dance include:
- Weight loss
- Safe and easy on the joints
- Improves strength, flexibility, agility and balance
- Requires good posture and better control of the body’s movements
- Conditions the heart and cardiovascular system
- Improves lung capacity
- Increases energy
- Reduces stress
- Builds confidence and self esteem
- Lifts spirits and fights depression
- Boosts memory and keeps the brain active
- A great social activity, hobby and a positive way to meet people
So what are you waiting for? Play some music, get up, and dance!
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, green.308@osu.edu
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/dancing-better-health
http://search.creativecommons.org/
Live Healthy Live Well 
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