Do you like to DANCE? (Important!)

You know how I always talk about exercise?

I could spew its health benefits all day long.

But this might be the MOST important piece of advice at all:

Find something you LIKE to do… and then, KEEP doing it.

Otherwise, there’s NO WAY you’ll stick with it.

Dancing in the rain

According to a new meta-analysis, overweight and obese people who danced regularly lost more weight than those who didn’t.

More specifically, they lost about four more pounds—plus 3.5 pounds of fat—and shaved an extra inch off their waistline.

And get this…

Those who danced at least three times a week for three months enjoyed the most benefits. (So, stick with it!)

Not to mention, the more creative and carefree participants danced, the greater the improvement in body composition.

That means you might decrease body fat while increasing muscle and/or lean body fat… all from dancing. (So, let loose out there!)

Better still, these findings come after past research has linked dancing to improvements in cognitive function, mental health, and overall quality of life… whole-body benefits!

Benefits for everyone

Many folks hate the concept of exercise. But isn’t dancing more of a hobby or passion?

Here’s what makes dancing so special…

It’s a full-body workout that combines exercise, entertainment, and socialization.

When you take a class, you’ll find other people who like at least one of the things you do. It’s a great way to make new friends, which means you’re likely to return to the class.

And there are so many different types of dance—from line dancing to pole dancing, disco to ballroom, and much more—you might never get tired of it. (You can try different styles for a more balanced workout.)

The beauty of dance is that you just move to the music. It isn’t a competition.

Even those of you with limited mobility can find a groove! See, dance has upper and lower body movements, and yes, some can be done in (or with) a chair. It’s easily modifiable for most skill levels.

And at the end of the day, you’ll build strength, balance, and coordination—while bettering things like blood pressure, cognition, and weight.

Plus—it’s FUN.

As for me, I used to love to go dancing when I was younger. Now, I enjoy things like cycling.

Of course, I was never much of a cyclist before I discovered SoulCycle. During these classes, you ride in a dark room with dance music. And I find it so addicting that I can typically ride 60 to 70 miles per week!

This is just another example of finding something YOU enjoy… and sticking with it. The possibilities are endless.

Source:

“Do Your Patients Hate Exercise? Suggest They Do This Instead.” Medscape, 01/30/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/do-your-patients-hate-exercise-suggest-they-do-this-instead-2024a100022t)