Not only can dancing improve your mental health and memory, as well as reduce pain, it can even be better for your brain and fitness than traditional exercise.
Published in Sports Medicine, the study’s researchers coming from the University of Sydney, University of NSW, Macquarie University and Queensland University of Technology, included participants (seven-85 years) who are healthy and those with chronic disease such as Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia.
The dance interventions encompassed a broad range of genres including theatrical dance, aerobic dance, traditional dance forms and social dance, and were compared to other activities including team sport, martial arts, walking and weight training.
The study found that dance of any genre is generally more effective than other types of physical activity.
These findings are not news, however, to Move2Music’s Nola Komis who has been teaching dance for 22 years.
She invites more to enjoy the benefits at her 45-minute class at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, Riverwood, on Thursdays from 6pm, costing $10 a session.
“All ages are welcome and we have lots of fun moving to music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today as well as touching on salsa, bachata and cha cha to keep everyone moving,” she said.
“For all fitness levels, the low impact classes consist of easy steps to follow.
“Apart from getting fit and losing weight, dancing prevents dementia and arthritis, improves mobility, bone strength and agility and provides cardio benefits.
“Come along to a class and have fun with us … singing along to the music is optional.”
For more info and to book a class, text Nola on 0414 229 966.
Dance better than other exercise
WE all know dancing is great fun – it connects you with others and lifts your mood – but new research is shedding light on just how much it can benefit your health and wellbeing.
