Dancing your way to better health

More
and more older Americans are turning to dancing for exercise, seeing it as an
enjoyable way for them to become more active without feeling like they’re doing
work.

Here
are some of the unique benefits that dancing can provide, according to AARP.

• Dancing
  doesn’t feel like exercise – One reason dancing is successful is because most
  people don’t think of it as exercise, even though dancing actually moves more
  parts of the body than walking.

• Dancing=stretching – Even if you flub a few steps, it’s
  still fun and great for stretching the midsection, and it will increase
  flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also boost muscle power in legs
  and even strengthen bones, because dancing is a weight-bearing exercise.

• Dancing can protect against dementia and diabetes – A recent
  study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that teaching the
  cha-cha to a small group of older adults twice a week for six months was enough
  to improve their memory and cognitive function on a number of tests. Dancing
  can also help those with Type 2 diabetes lower their blood pressure and control
  their weight.

• Social dancing – Camaraderie, enjoyment, and laughter during
  dance classes can help participants become more physically active and, in the
  process, improve health.

• Low impact, high benefits – Even for those who are already
  active, dancing provides benefits without the wear and tear that other forms of
  exercise can cause. Dancing is easy on the joints and can open and elongate the
  body.