Ever felt that pure rush of euphoria when you’re dancing? Perhaps in the throng of a festival? Bouncing around with your kids? Or just solo (full-on kitchen-disco-style) to your favourite song?
Well, it’s real.
And it’s not just about fun (even though this alone is significant).
More and more research suggests that dancing is a tonic for your body – and your mind (1).
Here are just some of the benefits of dance, and why it really is the ultimate workout.
First off, dance is an incredible way to work up a sweat and boost cardiovascular health.
Dancing elevates heart rate, improves blood flow, and burns a ton of calories.
Quite amazingly, one study found moderate-intensity dancing was associated with a 46% reduced risk of stroke or heart attack (2).
And because you’re actually having fun when you dance, you often forget you’re exercising, meaning you’re more likely to work harder, feel motivated, and stick at it.
So, if traditional HIIT isn’t for you, take this as your sign to start dancing.
Want better balance? Coordination? Stability? Dance might just be your secret weapon.
Each new step and sequence improves your bodily awareness, agility, and control, with a 2021 study reporting regular dancing enhances static balance (3).
Plus, those fun and varied dance moves increase flexibility and range of motion, helping you move more freely and confidently in everyday life.
You might not consider dancing a strength workout. But trust us – it most definitely is.
From your core to your calves, it engages all kinds of muscles (without even having to pick up weights) – another clear example of the physical benefits of dance.
It’s functional strength. Built through joyful movement. Simple as that.
Of course, dancing isn’t just a workout for your body; it’s a workout for your mind, too.
Learning choreography, remembering steps, and adapting to new rhythms challenge your brain in unique ways.
It takes multi-tasking to a whole new level.
And this intricate mental dance (pun intended) can significantly improve your cognitive function, boost focus, and enhance problem-solving skills.
In fact, studies suggest dancing increases the brain’s hippocampus – the area involved in memory, learning, and spatial navigation (4).
It’s for these reasons that dance has been suggested as an effective intervention for people with Alzheimer's and dementia (5).
All this is to say, nimbler feet really do give you a nimbler mind.
Feeling a little meh? Need a pick-me-up? Think of dance as your instant mood-booster.
The combination of physical activity, uplifting music, and self-expression floods your brain with endorphins – incredible 'feel-good' chemicals.
And this natural boost elevates your mood, reduces stress, and helps melt away anxiety.
A study from the University of Oxford even found dancing can raise your pain threshold, especially in a group setting, thanks to the release of endorphins (which are natural painkillers as well as mood-lifters (6).
Put simply, dancing is medicine for the soul. It puts a spring in your step. Literally.
Finally, dance gives you an outlet to express yourself and feel more confident in your body.
It’s more than just steps; it’s about celebrating how you move.
Shedding inhibitions.
Finding freedom in flow.
And learning to trust your capabilities.
Dance will help you walk taller. Both literally and figuratively. Just you watch.
Remember, you don’t need to be Strictly-certified to dance. It really doesn’t matter how ‘good’ you are.
All that matters is finding your own rhythm, having fun, and enjoying the process.
Ready to experience all the benefits of dance for yourself? Start dancing with Coach Claudia on Mvmnt today.
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