Turning Pointe’s Top 10 Health Benefits of Dance
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. — 3 John 1:2
Did you know dance can burn as many calories as cycling? Or that it’s been proven to reduce stress? Whether you want to find some me-time during the week, lose weight, or simply stay healthy, Turning Pointe’s 2018-19 schedule has you covered. Need more proof? Check out Turning Pointe’s top 10 health benefits of dance:
1. Dance provides a total body workout
Unlike traditional workouts that focus on isolated parts of the body, dance engages your muscles from head to toe, providing a well-rounded experience with every class. And because dance requires good posture, you can even improve circulation and breathing with every step.
2. Dance includes a built-in cardiovascular workout
Why separate strength and cardio? Dance wraps both elements into one dynamic class, strengthening muscles while increasing stamina and improving endurance. By staying with the music and moving from head to toe, you’re stepping your way to a stronger, healthier you.
3. Dance builds both strength and flexibility
Improving flexibility can decrease your risk of injuries and help your joints move through their full range of motion – which enables your muscles to work more effectively. Because dance incorporates muscle-toning movements and extensions, it’s the perfect way to build fitness and flexibility.
4. Dance improves balance and coordination
Improving your balance can also reduce your risk of injury – and because the movements in dance involve standing on one foot, shifting your weight and even standing on tip-toes, you’ll build up supporting muscles and core muscles that contribute to better stability, spatial awareness and agility.
5. Dance increases confidence
There’s nothing like the feeling of mastering a new skill. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, master a new combination each week and watch your confidence improve with every new step in your repertoire. Practice makes perfect! As you keep your body healthy, you’ll also improve patience and persistence.
6. Dance improves brain productivity
In addition to physical benefits, dance can increase your attention span, memory and creativity. Studies have even shown that the neurological benefits unique to dance make it a better cognitive workout than puzzles, games and other brain teasers!
7. Dance burns energy and calories
Studies show that dance can burn more than 300 calories every half hour – that’s more than the energy spent during an easy run or swim. Even a slower-paced dance class can be as beneficial as cycling.
8. Dance provides an escape
Take a break from busy schedules and make time to focus your heart and mind. Dance encourages self-expression, and Turning Pointe’s mission to develop a dancer’s skills in an atmosphere that’s glorifying to God encourages each class to be as good for your heart as it is for your body and mind.
9. Dance provides a social experience
In addition to toning your body and mind, dance improves communication and social skills by working with an instructor, working in groups and sharing the classroom with other students who have similar interests. Ask questions, engage with your classmates, praise His name and share a love of dance together!
10. Dance makes staying healthy FUN!
It’s no wonder dance is a fun way to stay healthy – between the music, the fellowship and friendships forming in the studio, you won’t even notice you’re working up a sweat. Dance has even been proven to lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – while giving your body an endorphin boost, meaning you’ll leave the studio healthier and more refreshed!