The Major Health Benefits of Dancing

Many people choose to enjoy sports like swimming and cycling, but the number of those who go for dancing is now growing. Dance is not only an art form; it is actually accessible to all. It is a great physical activity and research has shown that it has many more health benefits than the typical sports. Let's look at the main ones.

Better heart health - dancing is in its essence a cardio exercise. This is true for all styles from ballroom dancing to belly dancing. When you perform a cardio exercise, your heart rate gets to an optimal level. The entire cardiovascular system works more effectively. Recent research has shown that this physical activity is beneficial for the control of lipids in the body. As a result it allows for the increase of HDL (good cholesterol) and for the decrease of LDL (bad cholesterol). This activity increases your lung capacity and this is also beneficial for your cardiovascular and overall health. 

You become fitter - dancing involves a wide range of moves so the entire musculoskeletal system gets worked out when you enjoy this activity. One of the results is greater flexibility of the muscles, tendons, joints and bones. When you are more flexible, you are not only protected from common injuries and back pain, but also from more serious musculoskeletal conditions associated with aging. The musculoskeletal system becomes stronger as well. This lowers the risk of osteoporosis in women and fractures in general. You will enjoy greater endurance which will help you in all other physical activities and in your job as well. 

Weight loss - this is actually one of the health benefits that people appreciate the most with dancing. As mentioned earlier, dancing is a cardio exercise so apart from being beneficial for your heart and lungs, it helps you burn calories and fat. The number of calories you burn when doing this exercise depends on the intensity of the activity and on your weight. For instance, a dancer weighing 150 lbs will burn 396 calories per hour when enjoying disco, Latin or ballroom dancing. Of course, in order to achieve considerable slimming results, you need to dance on a regular basis. 

Mental health benefits - dancing is an enjoyable activity so when you dance your brain produces endorphin, a hormone that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Dancing is generally a social activity and socializing is also beneficial for mental health.