8 Benefits of Dance Workouts You Didn’t Know You Needed

3. Increases The Strength of Your Muscles

If you’ve ever seen professional dancers in a ballet, you’ll see that graceful movement requires agility and muscle strength. If you’re wondering if other types of dance increase muscle strength, the answer is YES! There is plenty of evidence out there that shows us that many dance styles increase our overall strength, functional fitness, and endurance. So we dare you to stick to a dance course twice a week for eight weeks. We bet you’ll see and feel how much stronger you’ve become.

4. Promotes Strong Bones

Exercise that involves bearing your weight, including dancing, can increase your bone density and strength. Higher-impact activities that involve more jumping and position changing might be more effective at building strong bones than lower-impact activities. However, simply building strength with exercise, even if it is low-impact, will increase bone mineral density over time, particularly lower-body strength. 

5. Enhances Balance, Flexibility, and Coordination

With all of the benefits we’ve mentioned so far, does it surprise you that dancing consistently can improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility? 

These qualities are essential, especially if you’re cross-training or simply adding dance as a supplement to your workout routine. In addition, athletes who dance during their pre-season can improve their flexibility and reduce injury during their primary season.

6. Improves Brain Function

Another on our list of surprising benefits of dance workouts is better brain function. Moving through a series of dance steps during a group class requires more than just physical fitness or athleticism. It also requires focus, visual recognition skills, and memory — making it an effective workout for your brain! Dancing may help older adults sharpen their cognitive skills like memory and attention. 

In fact, some studies suggest that in combination with more traditional treatment options, dance can improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and lower the rate of dementia compared to those who don’t dance.

7. Enhances Your Mood 

At this point, does it surprise you that dancing is an excellent way to improve your mood? People who regularly dance for fitness and fun report feeling happier, confident, and overall better than when they don’t participate. 

The reason for this increase in mood is quite complex. Researchers believe it likely is a combination of music and exercise that contribute to the “good feelings” a great dance class leaves us with. In addition, so many people are turning to dance as an outlet for stress and anxiety. Dance movement therapy is also making a name for itself as a complementary treatment for depression.

Think about this — have you ever turned up your favorite music and danced around your home to release some steam after a hard day at work? That energizing feeling will keep you coming back for more. In addition, regular dance can improve your heart health, decrease your risk for diabetes, and even lower your blood pressure. All these healthy things combined will leave you feeling healthy and happy!

8. Keeps You Connected To Other People

One of the most significant benefits that come with group dance workouts is that it keeps you connected to other people. Regardless of what style of dance is your favorite, tuning into a dance class at your favorite fitness center is a great way to meet new people, foster relationships, and feel like you’re a part of a bigger community — all things that are positive for your mental health and well-being. 

We don’t think the importance of social engagement and connection can be overstated. Especially after all that time isolated because of COVID-19, we’ve learned that social isolation can be highly harmful to your health. So counteract that feeling of loneliness by joining one of our many exciting dance classes!

The Bottom Line When It Comes To The Benefits Of Dance Workouts 

Dancing is an aerobic activity that can help you meet your fitness goals in a fun and energizing way. In addition, nearly every dance style offers various health benefits, including improving your mood and better balance. At Community Fitness, you’ll find a variety of dance styles and classes to help you find the class that works for you and your fitness routine. 

When you love the exercise and feel a sense of community every time you participate, you’ll keep on coming back! Browse through all of our dance fitness classes here.