Dancing Like the Stars . . .

Earlier this year we posted an article on HealthandAge.com, listing how to exercise more effectively. The first item was “make it fun”. Now an exercise physiologist at New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery – where the sports stars go for repairs – has spoken up for dancing as a good way to get fun back into exercise. Dancing is a great aerobic workout, and very good for balance and posture.

There are other advantages of dancing over a gym workout. First, its movements are multidimensional, as opposed to straight forward motion on treadmills, ellipticals, etc. A study has shown improved range of hip motion and flexibility of the spine in young adult dancers. Second, dance movements are weight-bearing and varied, when compared to a stationary bicycle, which is important for maintaining bone density. Third, dancing requires agility and balance – skills not usually developed in the gym - that can help prevent falls. Fourth, it promotes communication and emotional responses. Finally, it’s mentally stimulating, requiring focusing on coordination and movement patterns.

More and more people are turning to dancing as a substitute for a gym workout. Because it’s such fun, the chances are good that you will keep it up regularly – certainly greater than those for gym appearances. Give it a try, and surprise yourself! To find out where, go to the Yellow Pages, and enter ‘dancing’ and your zip code.