Is dance fitness good for mental health? Here are 3 positive impacts!
Is dance fitness good for mental health? Here are 3 positive impacts!
1. Dance helps prevent dementia and slow it down.
Research has shown that 76% of aging adults who danced regularly were less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t. How? Learning the choreography in class helps trigger memory and forces split-second decision making. This leads to a healthier brain in the long run.
2. Dance fights against depression.
Dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin are chemicals that our brain releases during a dance workout. They each have their own benefits. Dopamine: Is released when we experience positive or pleasurable moments. AKA finally nailing that choreo, shaking your booty without fear! Music increases dopamine levels, which is also released by spontaneous body movements—like dancing. Oxytocin: Is released when we physically come in contact with others or are bonding. So yes, there’s a major benefit to group fitness dancing! In my classes we have our jokes, we have our lyrical lines, we have nicknames, it’s all good for our health. Serotonin: Helps us to feel emotional contentment and ease. You know that moment when you think you don’t have another rep in you and then you do, and it’s just the biggest sense of big boss vibes?! Endorphins: Trigger a euphoric feeling while dancing, read all the above!
3. Dance can moderate your anxiety.
Dance has been found to naturally suppress anxiety when used as a creative outlet that encourages a peaceful state of mind. The American Dance Therapy Association says that dance is the “psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.”
I hope you find solace in my clases always! There’s lots of bits for improv or to make your own movements. I love to include sexy choreo and power moves. I always have fun and enjoy creating my choreography, I am so grateful you all allow me to lead you to a better, healthier, and funnier life!
-Karen Colleng