If you are like most of us, it can be tough to get on a regular fitness schedule. One of the main reasons that many people fall short with their plans to get in shape is because it just isn’t any fun. Getting in shape does not have to be a chore. The trick is finding an activity that you actually would enjoy doing, and has all the health benefits you could desire. With dance as your physical activity, you are getting in shape and actually having fun at the same time! There are many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that dance can offer to anyone young or old. Here are the top 5 benefits that can have a huge impact on your everyday health and well-being.
1. Cardiovascular Health- Dancing regularly can decrease your blood pressure, and improve your cholesterol profile (see medical Essay, 1991). Dancing will encourage a healthy circulatory system by making the heart pump faster, producing a strong healthy heart and lungs. You will also have increased stamina!
2. Weight Control- Dance encourages weight control by burning between 200-400 calories during a half hour of sustained dancing. The more energy you put into your dancing the more vigorous your workout becomes and the more calories you burn.
3. Strong Bones- The side to side movements in dance strengthen your weight bearing bones (tibia, fibia, femur), and have shown to increase bone density. Strong bones mean a decreased risk of osteoporosis.
4. Muscle Tone- You can tone your entire body with regular dance exercise. You will build strong, toned muscles and increase in flexibility due to the multidimensional nature of dance. Dance is a great way to improve your balance and posture as well.
5. Build Confidence-Although confidence is an inner feeling, it can reflect clearly in your outside world. Dancing tends to give an aura of self-confidence to those who do it regularly. You will feel a renewed sense of connection, creativity, and motivation that you will carry with you throughout your day!
Tags: bone density, build confidence, cholesterol profile, dance exercise, everyday health, fitness schedule, getting in shape, heart pump, medical essay, multidimensional nature