Working out isn’t for everybody. We all know you don’t actually go to that gym you pay for. Working out is really hard. (I hate the gym too, it’s okay.) However, there are so many other ways to keep your body and mind healthy. The best workout option in my opinion? Dance. Not only will it keep you looking good at the club, but it targets parts of your brain that “running on a treadmill” (aka taking a nap) can’t do. Dance can boost your mood, creativity and so much more. However, if your confidence in your dancing abilities are low, close your bedroom door. No one has to see you because you’re throwing a secret dance party for one.
- It promotes self-expression. Expression of any sort is important for a healthy mind, and what better way to stay mentally healthy than busting a move? Some people would say that dancing truly comes from within or is an expression of the soul. But if that answer is too hippy dippy for you, there is an actual science to self-expression. Letting loose, acting silly and conveying emotion can not only improve your self-esteem but is also a healthy way to express yourself.
- It helps you stay limber. For those of you who are unaware, dancing is considered a sport, therefore, it can get pretty exhausting very quickly. (Nike sponsors ballet dancers. Yes, dance is a sport!) But perfecting that moon walk is all in good fun because the warmer your body is, the more flexible your muscles can be. This allows you to improve on your flexibility, which is convenient in many ways. Ever slip on ice? Being able to do a split is a requirement.
- It can reduce stress. It is proven by scientists everywhere that exercise releases endorphins, which boost your overall mood, thus reducing stress. Physical activity also improves your confidence and reduces anxiety. For those of you who are uninterested in pumping major iron, try dance. Dance can put you in a mental trance that allows you to get lost for a while, and before you know it, an hour has gone by and you look and feel great. Shake what your momma gave you and de-stress!
- It challenges your memory. Just like any skill, dance requires commitment and concentration. When a dance combination is taught, you must think ahead to what move is coming next, instead of focusing on the current movement. You also have to activate hand-eye coordination, body-space awareness and not falling on your face. In other words, memory is key in the realm of dance. (It can also reduce early signs of Alzheimer’s. Score!) So while your body is getting a workout, so is your mind.
Dance is an activity that anyone of any skill level can do. Step outside your comfort zone a little, it’s good for you to experience new things. Be creative and think of the latest and greatest dance move because we all know that the Dab is the worst dance move ever created. It just looks like you’re sneezing. Please make up something better because we all know you can kill it at dance!
