Dancing arobics is a workout form that uses dance-inspired movements to help you tone and strengthen your body. It also burns calories and can be a fun way to keep your fitness up even when you’re busy.
The benefits of dancing arobics include its cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening effects, but it’s also been linked to a boost in mental well-being. Some studies have found that dancing can increase the brain’s “white matter,” which is important for memory, while a 2017 study discovered that it could lower your risk of dementia.
Aerobic exercise, or “of oxygen,” is good for your heart and lungs, so it’s an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic exercise.
Most aerobic activities, including dancing, use the lungs to expel carbon dioxide and other waste products. That’s why aerobic exercises are often recommended for people who have heart or lung conditions, such as a chronic cough or asthma.
It’s also a great way to improve your mood and relieve stress, says one 2007 study. When you dance, your muscles contract and release endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals that reduce pain and enhance mood), which can have a positive effect on your emotions.
In addition, dancing encourages social bonding and what psychologists call “self-other merging,” or the ability to be open and share your feelings with others. The physical movement, combined with the emotional release of music, can lead to a feeling of shared experience and common ground with your partner, suggests a University of Oxford study.
A good way to start is to find a class at a local fitness facility that offers aerobic dance. Many studios offer a variety of styles, from Zumba to jazzercise and ballroom dance.
You can perform these workouts on your own or with a partner, and you can choose the level of intensity that’s best for your particular body type. Classes range from basic aerobics with a set series of steps to freestyle aerobics, which allow you to customize your own moves to the music.
It’s easy to get started with aerobics because it’s a low-impact, high-calorie-burning workout that’s safe and fun. It’s a great way to get your feet wet if you’re new to exercise, and it can be done on a schedule that fits into your life, whether it’s during the day or after work.
The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening aerobic activities, such as dancing, at least two days per week. These exercise sessions can help you develop strength in your legs, core and arms, which are vital to your daily activity and quality of life.
They’re also a great way to tone and define your body, as most dance moves incorporate large muscles groups. In a similar fashion to yoga and Pilates, aerobic dance exercises target your entire body and alternate between using your arms, legs, glutes, and core.
