WELLINGTON COUNTY – They say the best type of exercise is the program you will stick with.
If you love to dance, good news: more and more research shows that dancing has many health benefits.
Dancing and brain health
Dance is a workout for both the body and the brain. The research is still evolving, but there is good evidence that dance can maintain or improve cognitive tasks like memory, attention, and orientation to time and place.
Dancing that involves learning complex patterns or movements seems to be particularly effective.
Researchers also think that the social nature of dance plays a role as well, along with the impact of music.
These factors evoke emotional experiences and parts of the brain that are involved with hearing and movement work together to keep to the rhythm. Also, dance movement training has been shown to reduce stress.
Dancing and physical fitness
Dance can help with mobility and aerobic endurance. Dance can also help to reduce the risk of falling. Research shows that people who dance regularly have better scores on tests that assess walking ability and balance.
What’s the best type of dancing?
First, pick a style of dance you like and have fun with it. Next, make sure you have the functional ability to do it.
For the greatest physical benefits, dancing should involve exercise at a moderate intensity.
For cognitive benefits, make sure it includes new dance steps or routines.
Is dancing enough?
Dancing is aerobic and it keeps the heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy and builds strength and flexibility.
Try to exercise in ways that include strength and flexibility two to three times a week.
Line dancing at the Harriston arena
The first 10-week session runs from Feb. 1 to April 12 at 1pm at the Harriston arena.
Organizers suggest arriving a little early to get the paperwork done.
The next session runs April 19 to June 21. Cost is $3 per session or $27 for all 10 sessions if you pay up front.
No need to register, just drop in. Call Barb Ross at 519-338-2792 or 519-321-1431 for more information.
Fire Safety for Seniors
Wellington North Fire Service and Guelph Wellington Paramedics are holding a free session for seniors on Feb. 27 at 1pm at the Mount Forest Legion. Email Helen at hedwards@mapleton.ca for information.
*Source: The Seniors’ Centre for Excellence Heart & Soul of Wellington newsletter
