We’ve known for a long time that the more you enjoy your healthier lifestyle, the better chances you’ll have of making health habits that can last a lifetime.
Over 10 years ago, I took up ballroom dancing with my wife Nancy, who’s also my Patient-Centered Weight Management and Six Factors to Fit co-author.
We immediately got hooked. It has been life-changing.
Recently at the Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters National Convention, my professional and personal lives came together as Nancy and I were asked to perform a dance routine to go along with their Dancing Through the Decades 20th anniversary theme.
What a great way to celebrate an event that we’ve supported for years.
I love dance because it checks all the boxes for good health, helping us:
- be physically active
- control blood pressure and blood sugar
- improve mood, posture, balance, coordination, and fitness
- and join a social community of like-minded people who have a singular focus – to have fun and enjoy!
And best of all it demands that you be fully present in the moment, a luxury that keeps us coming back for more.
According to a book we have on our shelf, Dancing is the Best Medicine: The Science of How Moving to a Beat is Good for Body, Brain, and Soul, written by two neuroscientists (and dancers!), Julia F. Christensen and Dong-Seon Chang:
“Dance is an antidote to stress, a way to combat emotions, an elixir for the body, mind and brain. Dancing also makes us happy; it lowers cortisol levels and releases feel good hormones.”
Since dance can be done at any age or fitness level and whether you’re a single or a couple, I wanted to share the many opportunities that exist for those interested.
1-Turn Up the Music and Dance like No One’s Watching
You don’t need to be a ballroom dancer to have fun.
At any time of day or night, you can turn on music and move your body to the different beats and work up a sweat.
We’ve been doing this with our grandchildren since they were born.
Finding opportunities to move more in our world where so many of us spend too much time sitting is a worthwhile health goal for everyone.
2-Explore Dance Classes/ Studios in Your Community
Some health clubs or community park districts do have dance-related classes, whether it’s Zumba or dance aerobics.
I also encourage you to check out dance studios in your community.
Arthur Murray is the dance studio we found in our neighborhood that changed our lives for the better. It’s a fabulous community that welcomes singles and couples, offering 1 on 1 private lessons as well as group classes.
You can find Arthur Murray Dance Studios around the world.
3-Go Online
Salsa, swing, cha cha, rumba, tango and merengue are just a small example of the myriad dance classes you can find online.
And if you are not ready to join a class yet, you can also search YouTube for your favorite dance and start to learn the basic moves.
Whether you dance to music at home as a way to get your body moving, try an online dance class or do some trial lessons at a nearby dance studio, many opportunities exist to pursue dance while bringing better health and more fun to your life.
Happy dancing!
RK
Robert Kushner, MD