People of all ages and abilities can participate in dancing as a form of exercise. Dance exercise classes have branched out to include Zumba classes, jazzercise, basic line dancing for seniors and complex choreography intended to provide intense workouts. The music and the movements change, but the benefits are the same. Regular participation in dance exercise improves physical, mental and emotional health.
Aerobic
Dance exercise is an aerobic activity that works your major muscles during sustained activity. Aerobic exercise forces your heart and lungs to work harder, thereby strengthening your cardiovascular system and decreasing your risk for heart disease. Other benefits include weight loss and management, increased stamina and lower bad cholesterol. Regular participation in dance exercise can help you fulfill the recommendation of 30 minutes daily adult aerobic activity, according to MayoClinic.com.
Weight-Bearing
Dance is a weight-bearing exercise, according to the American Council on Exercise. Weightlifting is an example of weight-bearing exercise; however, with dance exercise, your body weight provides the necessary load required to strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and decrease your risk for developing osteoporosis. Even people with osteoporosis can improve their condition with a weight-bearing exercise such as dance.
Mental And Emotional
Group dance classes provide exercise and socialization in a fun and lively environment. Regular participation in dance reduces stress, enhances mood and improves energy levels. During aerobic exercise, your body releases endorphins that improve your mood and also function as pain-killers. Participants report increased self-esteem, according to the American Council on Exercise. Seniors experience cognitive improvement and improved memory whether involved in group classes or using computer or video dance programs.
Weight Loss
The many dance forms provide varying levels of caloric burn. A 160-lb. person performing the waltz, foxtrot or other rhythmic dances can burn about 130 calories in 30 minutes. Salsa, zumba and more intense dance classes can result in about 250 calories burned in 30 minutes. The caloric burn of an intense dance exercise class is equal to that of moderate jogging, according to the American Council on Exercise.
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