Dancing is a form of exercise, the physical effects will be similar to those of other cardio activities. Moving your body to the beat of music can improve your physical and mental health, as well as your emotional and social well-being.
Physical
- Improves cardiovascular health: 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.
- Improves balance and strength: Dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles, meaning no muscle is left behind.
- Gentle on your body: Many forms of dancing, such as ballroom, are appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues.
Mental
- Boost cognitive performance: according to some studiesTrusted Source, scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organizing, improve with exercise like dance.
- Challenges 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
- Inclusiveness: 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.
- Can be social activity: 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.
- Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let 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.
All information from: Healthline.com