Dance for Better Health
Dance for Better Health
The Joyful Benefits of Dancing for Your Body and Mind
Someone who wants to work out, socialize, and feel the beat at the same time may want to put on their dancing shoes. Dancing has become more than just a form of entertainment or expression; it has been proven to have numerous health benefits.
Dr. Kathleen Davenport, a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, who is also a competitive ballroom dancer, affirms the manifold advantages of dancing. The doctor, specializing in the nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic injuries and conditions, has a special expertise in dance medicine. Additionally, Dr. Davenport serves as the company physician for the Miami City Ballet.
“Dancing checks a lot of boxes. In social dancing, you interact with different people and can make new friends, which has multiple psychological benefits,” explains Dr. Davenport. “On the physical side, you need good balance, you need core strength, you need strength in your lower and upper extremities if you’re doing partner work. Dancing can also be an excellent cardio workout.”
Dancing offers a range of benefits that stimulate both your body and mind. Aside from being an enjoyable, sociable activity, it is an excellent form of physical exercise. It enhances your core strength, improves balance, and develops muscle strength in your extremities. Dancing can also serve as a great cardiovascular workout.
Research suggests that physical exercise is vital for brain health. When dancing, you need to remember the steps and how to execute them. Dr. Davenport emphasizes that dancing is beneficial for people of all ages as it helps keep memory active as we age.
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Tips for Dancing Safely and Joyfully
To enjoy the physical and mental benefits of dancing, it’s crucial to practice safely and prevent injuries. Dr. Davenport offers some valuable tips for beginners:
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Learn the correct steps: Taking lessons is essential to learn the right techniques and steps. It ensures you have a solid foundation and reduces the risk of injury.
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Start slowly: Gradually increase your dancing intensity to allow your muscles to build strength and endurance. Starting too fast can lead to injury.
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Warm-up and cool down: Prior to dancing, warm up your body with gentle stretching. After the dance, cool down with another round of stretching to prevent muscle strain and potential injuries.
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Listen to your body: It is essential to rest when you feel tired or skip an event if you’ve danced too much the day before. This helps avoid overuse injuries and allows for adequate recovery.
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Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is critical during any physical activity. Remember to drink enough water before, during, and after dancing to stay energized and avoid dehydration.
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Address pain and injuries: If you experience any pain or potential injury, no matter how slight, it is best to leave the dance floor. Ignoring minor problems can worsen the injury and lead to more severe consequences.
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Choose the right dance shoes: Select shoes specifically designed for your style of dance. For Latin dancing, heels are commonly recommended, but it’s essential to find the right shoe that supports your feet and does not cause discomfort or pain.
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Regularly check your dance shoes: Verify that your dance shoes fit well at least every two years or after recovering from a foot injury. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to injuries or discomfort.
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Ease back into dancing: If you have taken a break from dancing, it’s essential to ease back into it, even if you have prior experience. Allow your body to readjust gradually to prevent strain or excessive fatigue.
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Protect your ears: In loud dancing venues, consider wearing earplugs to protect your hearing and prevent potential damage from high-volume music.
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Learn dance etiquette: Research and familiarize yourself with dance etiquette. Many studios and dance clubs offer helpful information on their websites to ensure a pleasant and harmonious dance experience for everyone.
For those who love dancing, it goes beyond just the physicality or the mental stimulation. Dr. Davenport explains how dancing can trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as “happy” hormones, which make you feel good about yourself. Engaging in enjoyable activities like dancing, particularly physical exercise, stimulates the release of endorphins, encouraging us to continue pursuing these activities.
Dancing not only brings joy and fulfillment to our lives, but it also promotes physical and mental well-being. So, put on your dancing shoes, let loose, and enjoy the myriad benefits dancing has to offer.
References:
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Starting an Exercise Routine
- Hospital for Special Surgery: News Release
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