Do you struggle with low energy, but nothing you try seems to change the story much? Well, make sure you keep reading and learn that the most fun way to improve your energy is by DANCING.
I always encourage my clients to make sure the activity they engage with is FUN! This way they're more likely to actually DO it! Maybe dancing and creative expression through movement is the thing that lights you up. Or maybe you're stuck with two left feet and dancing is the last thing you want to do.
The truth is dancing has been a part of human culture for centuries, and for good reason. if you can get over worrying about what other people think about you, dancing can be an easy and enjoyable way to get moving and express yourself. Plus, it offers a host of physical and mental health benefits that I want to share with you here. I'll also share some tips on how to get started, even if you have no dance experience.
How dancing improves your wellbeing
Dancing is not just a fun and enjoyable activity, but also provides a range of amazing benefits for your overall wellbeing, including your physical, mental, and social health.
Whether you're young or old, a beginner or more experienced, dancing is a wonderful way to boost your health and enhance your quality of life. So get ready to lace up your dancing shoes!
Benefits of dancing for physical health
Firstly, dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise, which means it gets your heart rate up and improves your cardiovascular health. This helps to lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dancing is also a great support for those on a weight loss journey!
It's is also a weight-bearing exercise and may including jumping and other higher impact moves. This means it can help to build and maintain strong bones, which is particularly important for women, who have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
You can also improve your flexibility and comfort in your joints, as many dance styles involve stretching and moving your body in ways that you might not do in your everyday life. Lastly, you can improve your balance and coordination, which can reduce your risk of falls and injuries.
Benefits of dancing for mental health
Dancing isn't just good for your body - it's also great for your mind. Studies have shown that dancing can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is because dancing releases endorphins, which are the body's natural feel-good chemicals.
It can also help to reduce stress levels. When you're dancing you're most likely totally focused on the music and your movements. This works to distract you from your worries and problems, and helps you to be more present.
You can also improve your self-esteem. As you become more comfortable with the movements and music, you'll start to feel more confident in your abilities. This confidence then translates to other areas of your life, and before you realise you'll feel more empowered and capable in all areas of your life.
Benefits of dancing for social health
Not only can dancing be a fun and energising way to exercise, but it can also provide numerous benefits for your social health. Not always but often, dancing is a social activity that involves interacting and connecting with others. This can help improve your social skills and confidence in new social settings.
Here are some of the ways that dancing can improve your social health:
- 1Meet new people
Dancing provides an opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle. Whether you attend a dance class or go out dancing with friends, you'll have the chance to connect with others who share your interests and passion for dancing. - 2Build confidence
Dancing can help build your self-confidence and self-esteem. As you become more comfortable with the movements and music, you'll feel more confident in your abilities and may even be inspired to try more challenging dance styles or performances. - 3Improve communication skills
Dancing requires communication and cooperation between partners or a group, which can improve your communication skills. You'll learn how to communicate non-verbally through movement and cues, and you may also develop a better understanding of body language.
Styles of dancing
Dancing is a diverse art form, with countless styles and genres to choose from. However, some styles of dancing are more popular than others. Here are the five most popular types of dancing:
Zumba
Zumba is a dance fitness program that has taken the world by storm in recent years. It combines Latin rhythms with aerobic exercise to create a fun and effective workout.
Typically found in gyms more than dance studios, Zumba classes are often high-energy and fast-paced, with participants moving to the beat of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton music.
It's a great way to get your heart rate up, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular health. Plus, the music and social atmosphere of a Zumba class can make it a fun and enjoyable way to exercise.
Latin
Latin dance encompasses a variety of styles, including salsa, samba, bachata, and rumba. These dances originated in Latin America and the Caribbean, and are known for their energetic rhythms and sensual movements.
Latin dance is often performed in pairs or small groups, and can be a great way to improve your coordination, balance, and flexibility. It's also a fun and social activity that can help you meet new people and connect with others who share your love of dance. It may even provide the opportunity you need to meet a new partner!
Ballroom
Ballroom dance is a classic and elegant style that includes dances like the waltz, foxtrot, tango, and cha-cha. Ballroom dance is often performed in pairs, with one partner leading and the other following.
It requires a great deal of practise, coordination, balance, and precision, but it can be a rewarding process whether you want to compete or just dance socially.
Street / Hip hop
Street or hip hop dance is a high-energy and expressive style that originated in the streets and clubs of urban areas the world round. It includes a variety of styles, such as breakdancing, popping, locking, and krumping.
Street dance is often performed in groups or as solo performances, and is known for its dynamic movements and powerful rhythms. It's a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and stamina, while also expressing your creativity and individuality through dance.
Jazz
Jazz, contemporary and musical dance are fun and upbeat styles that are often seen in musical theatre and movies. It includes a variety of styles, such as tap, swing, and modern jazz, and is known for its fast footwork, high kicks, and improvisational style.
It's a great way to improve your coordination, balance, and flexibility, while also exploring your creativity and artistic expression through movement.
These are just a few examples of the many styles of dancing that are popular around the world. Whether you prefer high-energy hip hop or elegant ballroom, just know that each style offers its own unique benefits. There's a style of dance out there for everyone, so choose a style that resonates with you can make dancing even more enjoyable and rewarding. And if you're not sure what you like, start with one and try it out!
Tips for getting started
If you're new to dancing, it can be intimidating to get started. Here are some tips to help you overcome your fears and get your groove on:
- 1Start small
As a beginner, it can be daunting to attend a dance class. Starting small will help you build your confidence and get comfortable with the basics.
Begin by dancing in the privacy of your own home. Put on your favourite tunes and experiment with different movements. This will help you become familiar with the rhythm and movement patterns. - 2Choose a style that you enjoy
Dancing should be fun, not a chore. Choose a style that you enjoy and feel comfortable with.
Experiment with different dance styles to find out which one you prefer. Some people prefer more structured dances such as ballroom, while others prefer more freeform styles such as hip hop or jazz. - 3Find a dance partner or group
Dancing is a social activity, and dancing with others can be motivating and enjoyable. Find a friend who enjoys dancing or attend a beginner's dance class. This way, you can learn together and practice together.
You may also join dance communities or social clubs to meet new people and expand your dancing network. - 4Attend a dance class
Once you have built some confidence and have found a style that you enjoy, attend a dance class. Dance classes are a great way to learn new moves, improve your technique, and meet new people who share your interest in dance.
Beginner classes are designed to be less intimidating and focus on basic movements, making them perfect for beginners. You can search for dance classes online, or ask for recommendations from friends or family who enjoy dancing. - 5Most importantly, dance regularly!
As with any new skill, regular practice is essential. This will help you to develop muscle memory, improve coordination and timing, and increase your confidence.
Make a commitment to dance regularly, whether it's once a week or every day. You may create a schedule or set an alarm to remind yourself of your dance practice.
It's now up to you..
In conclusion, dancing is a fun and effective way to improve your physical and mental health. Whether you're looking to get in shape, reduce stress, or simply have fun, dancing has something to offer. So why not get your groove on and start dancing today?
Remember, it's never too late to start dancing, and you don't need any prior experience to get started. Just choose a style that you enjoy, find a dance partner or group, and practice regularly. Your body, mind and social life will thank you for it!