Most people think that they cannot have fun and exercise at the same time, preferring hard and heavy routines to burn as many calories as possible. However including dancing in your training is one of the best ideas you could come up with.
Not only will you be able to exercise, but you will also have a good time to the rhythm of the music and you will get many benefits on a physical, mental and emotional level.
If you are still doubting, we give you 6 reasons why including dancing in your routine is a great idea.
6 benefits of including dance in your training
1. Dancing causes happiness
There is something in the act of dancing that attracts everyone, that something is the feeling of freedom on the dance floor. Possibly it is due to the endorphins that flow throughout your body thanks to the production of them in your brain.
One element that adds greater enjoyment is listening to music during the activity. According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience , this is possible thanks to dopamine that releases “happy chemical elements” (Salimpoor, Benovoy, Larcher, Dagher & Zatorre, 2011).
In addition, dancing is one of the best options for those who want to get out of their comfort zone. It is a perfect activity for those who have a shy and reserved personality and can benefit you in mental terms, since a relationship between dancing and the reduction of depression has been found .
2. Dancing releases stress
Were you at the office all day and need a break? We know that including a little dance will be the last thing you want to try at that time of day, but you should do it, as it will help you release the tension accumulated during the workday .
This is because your mind stops paying attention to life problems when you are dancing, it is basically a distraction. In fact, there is a scientific reason for this phenomenon. The sports doctor and dancer Selina Shah, ensures that, during a dance session, the brain releases endorphins, which allow you to feel pleasure and happiness at the same time as reducing pain. That is the reason why you feel calm and satisfied after a hard workout.
3. Dancing supports cardiovascular health
Moving your whole body to the beat of the music makes you burn a lot of calories in a short time. An average 70 kg person can lose approximately 223 calories for every 30 minutes of vigorous dance. This number is high compared to a walk, which will only burn 149 calories if you maintain a speed of 5.5 km / h in the same amount of time.
The benefits of dancing are very diverse, and it is a fact that this activity is great for your heart. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine , dancing can lower the risk of dying from heart disease. It also has greater benefits than a walk for cardiovascular health (Merom, Ding and Stamatakis, 2016).
4. Dancing improves your reflexes and your skills
Dancing is not like other gym activities like running or lifting weights. When executing this activity, repetitive exercises are not used as in other sports, so your whole body is in constant motion. That is the reason why all dancers possess a toned body from head to toe.
A good reason to get into this habit is that it reduces your chance of losing your balance as you get older, which is important, since according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , at least one in 4 adults over the age of 65 suffers a fall once a year.
On the other hand, you not only exercise your body when dancing but also your mind. Memorizing the choreographies requires mental strength to remember all the movements and steps.
5. You can dance wherever and whenever
Dancing is one of the most accessible forms of exercise for everyone. You don't need anything other than your own body and a little music.
If you feel inspired start moving your body, it can be before going to work, during meals or on the street if you are bold enough. There really is no need to go to the gym to practice it.
One of the best things about dancing is that no matter your age or body type, you can modify the routine to your liking and need. So what are you waiting for to get started?
6. You can meet new friends
Many great friendships begin in a dance class, since attending places where there is a good atmosphere and people with the same interests can only be beneficial for your social life.
There is scientific evidence in this regard. A study published in Frontiers of Psychology assures that moving in sync with the rhythm of music facilitates the formation of social relationships . In essence, it means that dancing frees your brain to a neutral zone where the process of connecting with others is more accessible (Tarr, Launay & Dunbar, 2014).
Lastly, don't be afraid if you feel nervous dancing in front of other people. Start small and try to integrate into the classes. Don't let your fear keep you from doing things that you do well.
References
- Merom, D., Ding, D. and Stamatakis, E. (2016). Dancing Participation and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality. Journal of Preventive Medicine. doi: 10.1016 / j.amepre.2016.01.004
- Salimpoor, VN, Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A. and Zatorre, RJ (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience. doi: 10.1038 / nn.2726
- Tarr, B., Launay, J. and Dunbar, RIM (2014). Music and social bonding: “self-other” merging and neurohormonal mechanisms. Frontiers of Psychology. doi: 10.3389 / fpsyg.2014.01096
