Because modern life doesn’t require us to be active, movement and exercise can often feel like a chore. Humans have had no evolutionary pressure to develop a love of exercise because it used to be built into daily life. It can feel like something we should do, instead of something we naturally want to do. Getting in touch with the joy of movement for movement’s sake is a natural way to generate a positive feedback loop of regular activity in your life.
What is the movement you love the most?
Maybe it’s a favorite sport you enjoy playing with others. Maybe it’s taking your dog on a walk in the morning. Maybe it’s riding your bike to scenic places. And maybe… it’s that you love to dance.
Dancing is a universal language. It allows us to simultaneously move and express ourselves, engaging our bodies and minds in dynamic ways. The key to getting results with an exercise regimen is consistency, and many people find it’s just fun to put on your favorite music and move.
Good for the body
You might not be surprised to learn that dancing is good for you in many ways. We know this intuitively. Dance can get our hearts pumping. It can strengthen our muscles and improve our coordination and balance (in our How to Fall article, we learned about the importance of balance). And it can be a great cardiovascular workout.
Dancing can also to engage a greater variety of muscles than running or cycling.
Good for the mind
So now you’re up and dancing, and reaping the physical benefits. Lovely. As a bonus, you’re also getting these mental and emotional benefits:
Dancing has been shown to help lift moods for those with depression
Shows anti-aging effects on attention, processing speed, and memory. Dancing makes you smarter, and keeps you sharper in your old age
Provides a nonverbal way to interact with others. Something you can do alone, with another person, or in a group
“Movements that we typically do in our daily life, like walking, taking the stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane, but dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles, meaning no muscle is left behind.”
Accessible to everyone
One of the best things about dancing is that anyone who can move, even a little bit, can do it. It’s about nonverbal expression. Here’s a sweet clip we love, by Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon. Enjoy the joy!
Come visit us at Parkside
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just need a tune-up, we’re here to help. We tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.