London, United Kingdom (CU)_ When we think of exercises and workouts, we normally think of running or weight lifting at the gym. But, if you want to try something new or have a bit more fun, you should consider dancing. Strong muscles, better balance, lower stress, and enhanced heart health are some of the physical and mental health benefits of dancing. According to MedlinePlus, which is a digital health information resource maintained by the National Library of Medicine, dance unifies the benefits of aerobic and weight-bearing exercise.
Dance comes in so many different styles, and you have a wide range of options to pick from, including hip hop, swing, ballet, classical and more. According to MedlinePlus, “The workout you get from dance depends on the type of dancing you do and for how long you do it. For example, ballroom dancing will give you a moderate workout. This is about the same level of exercise you would get from walking briskly or doing water aerobics. Most types of ballroom dancing burn about 260 calories in an hour.”
Dances that are more rigorous, such as salsa or aerobic dancing, are workouts similar to jogging or swimming laps, which will burn up to 500 calories per hour. To begin, you can find dance classes near your area, community centers, health clubs, and dance schools, as well as online dance classes. Register for a beginner class if you have never followed dance for exercise before. According to MedlinePlus, “A beginner class will be easier to follow and will reduce your risk for injury. As you build your skill and fitness, you can try more advanced classes.”
