Health & Wellbeing News

The Endless Benefits of Dancing

It’s hard not to feel joy while dancing. Whether that’s because you love the music, you’re dancing with a partner or laughing yourself silly trying to get the hang of choreography.

The beauty of dance is that no part of the body is left behind. It asks for people to be on their feet, coordinate their limbs and really turn the brain on. One of the best things about it? You usually don’t realise how physical it is while doing it.

If you’ve never given dancing a proper shot or it’s been a while and you’d like to pick it back up, here’s why you should.

Dancing can help all-round physicality

Research suggests dancing can be as beneficial as swimming, cycling or running on a treadmill.1 There are countless physical benefits, including increased muscle strength and tone, better flexibility and endurance, improved posture, coordination, aerobic ability, balance and spatial awareness. If it’s done at a high intensity, dancing helps with cardiovascular conditioning and strengthens key weight-bearing bones, including the hips. All of these things help us holistically and assist in doing other forms of exercise, too.

It can improve mental wellbeing

Why do people keep dancing? One study says it’s sustainable because it’s fun. But its mental health benefits go far beyond that. Dance increases our endorphin levels which can work wonders in improving our mood. It gives us the space to ease stress and tension.2 It puts us in touch with both body and mind, which can assist with self-esteem, self-belief and motivation. Dance classes also provide the chance to socialise and form new connections.

The brain loves to dance

Dance stimulates the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain involved in making decisions, predictions and creating new memories. It is an especially beneficial hobby as we age. A 21-year-long study found that out of 17 different leisure activities, social dancing had the highest association with a lower risk of dementia.3 It outdid activities such as reading, swimming, doing crossword puzzles and playing instruments. It’s believed this is because of the level of focus required, combined with social interaction.

There’s no age limit

Given how many different dance styles are out there, you can continue dancing through all stages of life. As you get older, you might opt for a waltz over a quickstep or a slower form of hip hop instead of breakdancing. The bottom line is there are always options to continue dancing. It’s all about re-evaluating what your body can manage and finding dance forms to suit your needs.

Get Active Victoria has dance tutorials for hip hop, jazz, Bollywood and many more dance styles. Check them out and find something you can enjoy.

Healthy Snack Recipes

Snacking is an important part of a balanced diet. Snacks between meals can help maintain our energy levels, keep us full in between meals and prevent over-eating at the end of the day.

Snacks can also help us fuel up before exercise. Here are some of our favourite healthy and easy to make snack recipes for next time you’re looking for some inspiration.

Tzatziki Dip

Method

1. Gently squeeze excess moisture from cucumber in paper towels. 
2. Combine yoghurt, garlic and mint in a small bowl.
3. Stir cucumber into yoghurt mixture.
4. Serve with your choice of veggie sticks or crackers. Enjoy!

Traditional Banana Smoothie

Method

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If smoothie is too thick, add more liquid to reach the desired consistency.

Pour into glasses and serve immediately. 

Olive oil, carrot and apple bread

Method

Preheat oven to 180ºC. Spray a loaf tin with extra virgin olive oil spray.

In a small bowl, combine the flours, baking powder and soda and spices.

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on low speed. Add grated carrot, apple, lemon zest, and vanilla. Fold in half the flour, all of the olive oil, and then the remaining flour. Mix just until everything is well combined.

Spoon mixture into prepared loaf tin and sprinkle flaked almonds on top. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with just a few crumbs attached.

Rest loaf in the tin for 15 minutes, then flip out onto rack to cool completely before serving.