Benefits Of Dance As An Exercise Form

While many don’t consider it a workout, there is no question that dancing is not only a good workout, but it works out your entire body from head to toe, which many exercises cannot say. There are so many benefits of dance as an exercise form that it’s no wonder the popularity of it is rising, and we are seeing more and more dance studios and classes popping up all over the country.

Some of the health benefits of dance as an exercise form include:

• Cardio.  Your heart and lungs are going to stay healthy, especially if you keep the blood pumping for at least 30 minutes a day. This is an easy way to get your heart rate up and keep it up for an extended amount of time.
• Increased muscle strength. Dancing may seem like it only tones your legs, but in reality, it tones your core, arms, legs, and back, allowing you to get a full body workout, without having to do separate workouts for each area.
• Increased endurance. As with any cardio-heavy workout, your endurance will slowly increase, allowing you to go for longer and longer without needing a break.
• Increased flexibility. While some dances focus more so on flexibility than others, they all help with that as most dance forms include stretching and pointing your toes in a way that may not be comfortable at first but will help your flexibility.
• Better coordination. Even if you start your classes with two left feet, as you practice and continue attending classes, you are sure to find that your coordination and rhythm has improved, and you no longer are sliding the wrong way or a beat behind. Instead, you’ll be keeping up with the teacher in no time!
• Better mental health. As with all forms of exercise, you get that helpful boost of endorphins that are exceptionally beneficial for your mental health and attitude. Fight depression and anxiety with a good dance workout, and leave it all on the dance floor. It’s a great way to de-stress and forget about things, even just for an hour.

The list of benefits of dance as an exercise form is by no means all-inclusive, there are many more benefits, just not ones that were mentioned. This is a great form of exercise, and if it’s something that has always interested you, go ahead and give it a try. There are classes for all skill levels from beginners to expert dancers, and there are so many different types to try. If you are going solo, take a Zumba class or try a dance fitness option. If you and your partner want a date night and exercise at once, take a ballroom dancing class together. With so many options, there aren’t any real good excuses to not give it a try. You may wind up loving it.