It’s fun, social, and it’s great for people of all ages. And if you do it right, it’s also a full body workout. Yes, you guessed it, we’re talking about ballroom and Latin American dancing!
It’s becoming more popular by the day
Sure, it might have something to do with certain reality TV shows involving dance, but ballroom and Latin American dancing have become incredibly popular over the past few years. People of all ages and abilities are re-discovering that taking to the dance floor can give them as good a workout as going to the gym. There are added bonuses though to dancing: music, a partner, and great dance moves!
It’s an all-round fun workout
Salome Sechelle, SA Dance Champion & Adjudicator, says that this type of dancing is fun, colourful and social, and it’s one of the best physical and mental activities you can do for your overall health.
Why is dancing such a great workout?
Dance is a weight-bearing activity which builds bones and improves upper body strength. And because ballroom dancing often means moving backward, it also works the backs of the thighs and buttock muscles differently from many other types of exercise – which is especially beneficial for women. For example, dancing the foxtrot, with its long and sweeping back-steps, is very different than walking forward on a treadmill or going for a run.
It’s great for your mind too
The combination of movement, dancing to music with a partner and improvising steps has been proven to be the best exercise to slow down the onset of senile dementia. Regardless of your age though, there are plenty of physical and mental benefits to anyone who enjoys this type of dancing.
So, put on those red shoes and dance away the blues, and the kilos and cobwebs too!
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