Health Benefits of Dancing

Did you know that one of the health benefits of dancing is it lowers the risk of coronary heart disease? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute acknowledges this and further adds that dancing decreases blood pressure and helps manage weight. Dancing can also provide a vigorous workout for the leg muscles namely the quads, hamstrings and calves. It also helps work on the core muscles that include the back, abdominals and gluteals.

Meg Jordan, PhD, RN who is a spokesman for Aerobics and Fitness Association of America said, "When done vigorously, dancing is up there with jogging and cross country skiing for aerobic benefit. It depends to some degree on the style. Swing dancing, for example, is a little less vigorous. But all the styles, ballroom, salsa, funk, hip-hop, can burn up to 300 calories an hour if you're really moving just like in an aerobic class.

Because of their understanding on the health benefits of dancing, most gyms and community centers now offer dance-based fitness classes. There are many types of dances and styles that are being included and taught in their fitness routines such as Belly dance, Ballroom dancing, Swing dance, Salsa and Tap dance. Doing aerobic exercises and working on the treadmills can bore a person. They will feel burned out and lose the enthusiasm after a few months. So dancing is included to keep the commitment going.

Belly dancing, for example is a dance style that has 12 basic, highly energetic moves including the hip twist and the head slide. It uses most part on the body but focuses more on the hip and pelvic area, which are seldom used in regular exercises. One of the best reasons to do belly dance is because it increases a woman's sensual awareness.

Ballroom dancing is not only a good aerobic workout. It also improves your memory, timing motor control and coordination. Your movements have to follow certain steps and timing. One of the health benefits of ballroom dancing is, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, it can lower the risk of dementia.

Some other health benefits of dancing are:

1. It keeps your connection and romance with your partner alive.
   
   
   
2. It's more fun and doesn't feel as hard as working out on treadmills or doing the steps aerobics.
   
   
   
3. Dancing to the right music and in the right crowd loosens you up. It can make you feel less self conscious.
   
   
   
4. Dancing releases energy and brings about the good feeling. Your brain produces endorphins which, among others, reduces stress hormones that can help you ease your anxieties, moodiness and feeling depressed.
   
   
   
5. Socially, dancing in a group or class setting helps shy people feel less insecure and timid. It's also a great way to make new friends and have a great time.

The other types of dances and styles are:

1. Swing dance
   
   
   
2. Salsa Dance
   
   
   
3. Samba dance
   
   
   
4. Jazz dance
   
   
   
5. Lap dancing
   
   
   
6. Modern dance
   
   
   
7. Folk dance
   
   
   
8. Disco dance
   
   
   
9. Tango dance
   
   
   
10. Line dancing
    
    
    
11. The Waltz
    
    
    
12. Cha Cha
    
    
    
13. Pole dancing

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