Dance your way to better health

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Dance has many physical, mental and emotional benefits, according to a sports medicine expert.
The best exercise program is one that people stick to because they enjoy the activity. For many, dance is a more attractive keep fit option than running or the gym, explains exercise physiologist Polly de Mille of the Women's Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Many studies now testify to the physical benefits of dance exercise. Dance movements are multi-directional and help with joint mobility and flexibility. They are also weight bearing and have been shown to increase bone density.

A dance workout also requires agility and balance which could be important in reducing falls among older people. Dance can also be a good cardiovascular workout. And don't forget that dance gives you a mental workout too - for you have to focus on your co-ordination and learning movement patterns. Finally, there are the social, emotional and cultural sides of dance - it is a wonderful way of connecting people together. De Mille offers some words of advice - take care with the shoes you choose for dance as they don't always offer enough cushioning and support. And don't overdo it - dance can be very strenuous and the last thing you want is an injury.

Source
Hospital for Special Surgery 12th September 2006

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