get up and dance
Are you interested in mixing up your usual fitness routine? Want some fun and easy cardio that will really lift your spirits? Just get up and dance! Research shows that dancing is a fun way to boost energy and mood, enhance your cardiorespiratory fitness, and keep cognitive disease at bay. Did you know that there are hundreds of dance genres or styles? With this much variety, you are bound to find something you love and something that gets you moving (and grooving)! Whether it’s traditional ballroom dance styles, energetic hip-hop, or high-tempo swing, dancing is a guaranteed method of boosting your heart health and mood.
Have you ever been at work or home and experienced those ‘afternoon slumps’? You know the ones. Some people think the solution is a little afternoon siesta, but did you know that movement may be the answer? Why not take a mid-afternoon dance break? Dancing causes the release of endorphins which cause us to feel happy, a bit euphoric, and elevates the oxygen levels in our bodies which allows us to use energy more efficiently. Exercising in little bursts throughout the day can keep us more alert and effective in the workplace. You never know who you might inspire to add a little cha-cha to their day when your co-workers see you having a mini dance break in the breakroom! You will be setting yourself up for an alert and productive afternoon without having to reach for that candy bar or cup of coffee.
By now, most people know that exercise is key for our heart health, but cardio exercise, like dancing, is particularly heart-friendly. A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that moderate intensity dancing was linked to lower risk of cardiovascular death. It was even better for your health than walking! This is good news for those that love to lace up their dancing shoes. It will also be an encouragement for those who want to improve their heart health but aren’t so sure which type of exercise will help them reach their goals. It is never too early (or too late) to start taking care of your heart! Your entire body will be grateful.
Cardio exercise is not only beneficial to your heart and lungs, but it also can keep many cognitive diseases at bay. Dancing has been shown to ward off dementia as well as Alzheimer’s Disease. Dancing creates a challenge for the brain as it seeks to remember movement patterns and create the coordination required to move through the choreography. This is great news for those of us who have these diseases in our family tree. Creating a movement habit earlier in life is better, as prevention is key! It is important to note that while dancing is linked to all these positive benefits, it really must be paired with a healthy diet to reap the most rewards, physically and mentally.
What inspires you to dance today? The mood and energy boost? Heart health? Disease prevention? What style of dance gets your heart pumping? How about Cha-Cha, Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Hip-Hop, Swing, Charleston, African, or maybe a Country-style dance? At Body & Soul® Fitness, we have the movement your body and soul crave. Our certified Instructors will lead you through easy and fun choreography with options for everyone. The music is fun, inspirational, and upbeat. Best of all, FitTV™ - our on-demand exercise platform - is available whenever and wherever you want it. You can dance your heart out in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. And for even more connection, you will find yourself in good company by joining our faith and fitness community on Facebook, where you’ll experience encouragement from others who are also on a fitness and wellness journey of their own. At Body & Soul® Fitness, we care about more than just your body! We believe in nourishing the whole unique YOU that God created. Grab your dancing shoes and join us at https://www.bodyandsoul.org/ to get started today.
by Jamie Gray
Dance Blast™ Program Director
Body & Soul® Fitness
Jamie Gray has been an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor for 12 years and is honored to serve as the Dance Blast™ Program Director for Body & Soul® Fitness. She is most recently a student of Latin and is passionate about health, fitness, books, traveling, and homeschooling her two children. She and her family live in Edmond, Oklahoma.
