With the popularity of competitive dance shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, you may feel tempted to try your hand at some fancy moves. But don’t get too carried away! There is nothing wrong with a little recreational dancing, but you should also consider it as part of a balanced health and wellness routine.
Dance can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s important to find a dance style that fits your personal preferences and physical limitations, but even something as simple as hopping around on one foot or bouncing in place while swinging your arms a bit can be considered dancing.
It’s a Fun Way to Express Yourself
While some people dance because they want to compete or master certain techniques, the vast majority of dancers do it for the joy and satisfaction it provides. A 2015 study found that dancing is associated with improved feelings of happiness and fulfillment. This could be because it offers a creative outlet for expression or is simply satisfying to practice and improve.
It Builds Strength and Improves Flexibility
Many forms of dance involve a lot of stretching, which can help increase flexibility. This is beneficial because it reduces the risk of injury in other activities, such as sports or reaching for things in high cabinets.
As a bonus, the calorie-burning benefits of dance can help with weight management and overall health. It’s best to combine dance with other types of exercise for maximum benefit, but it can also be an excellent stand-alone workout if you’re short on time.
