By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Most people love to dance! “Whether you’re 80 years young or 8 years old, engaging in physical activities that involve dance changes you” (Lindberg, 2019). Dancing can occur at celebrations, ritualistic ceremonies, and in the home. Dancing can be a form of self-expression and recreation. In addition, dancing can be enjoyable for people to stay fit, regardless of age, size, or shape. According to the Department of Health & Human Services (2007), dancing has many health benefits physically and mentally such as:

• Increased muscle tone, strength, and endurance
• Weight management
• Stronger bones and decreased risk of osteoporosis
• Improved balance
• Improved mental functioning
• Improved condition of your lungs and heart
• Physical confidence
• Psychological wellbeing
• Greater self-esteem and self-confidence
• Better social skills
• Better coordination and flexibility
• Increased aerobic fitness

To help get started with dancing, you can choose a style of dance that interests you and take a class at a dance studio. You can even search for dance videos on YouTube and learn new styles for free! There are many types of dances to try, such as line dancing, salsa, ballroom, jazz, ballet, and belly dancing. You can even take a class at a fitness facility and take dance-related fitness classes such as Zumba, hip-hop, cardio-dance. Don’t let age or ability stop you, there are YouTube Videos for older adults (and beginners) as well as classes such as dance classes offered as part of the Silver Sneakers program offered at the YMCA. Personally, I enjoy Zumba and take a class at a local community center.

If you decide to take up dancing, first visit your doctor if you have a medical condition, or health concern. Make sure to drink plenty of water while dancing, stretch and warm up before the dance session, following the session with a cool down or rest. Other tips suggest that you wear appropriately fitted shoes, pace yourself, make sure your form is correct, move fluidly as you can, and enjoy yourself (Department of Health & Human Services, 2007).

Do you like to dance? If so, grab your partner or friend and try a dance style you think you will enjoy, and let’s dance our way to good health!

References

Department of Health & Human Services. (2007, July 31). Dance – health benefits. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits

Lindberg, S. (2019, May 10). Benefits of dance: 8 benefits for adults and kids. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-dance