6 Health Filled Advantages Of The Ballroom Dancing Ottawa Seniors Love

By Susan Powell


It's easy for seniors to get isolated, slow down physically, and become depressed. Eating right and exercising regularly are goals too often put off. For those who aren't interested in hitting the gym everyday, the ballroom dancing Ottawa professionals offer can be a great solution. Not only is it a fun activity, it has solid health benefits.

Dance is great for toning muscles. When you are turning, spinning, and quick stepping, you are building strength in your muscles and toning your legs. You and your partner may not be aware of it, but couples dancing is a form of resistance training. Most senior men can't lift their partners above their heads, but they will see more toned abs and arms just by leading a partner around the dance floor.

Dance will help prevent osteoporosis. As people age their joints and bones start to get brittle and stiff. Dance is low impact, It's safe for those who have recently had knee and hip replacement surgery. Dance strengthens bones making it less likely that falls and other accidents will result in serious injury.

Dance increases flexibility. If you don't stay active, your muscles will begin to get stiff. Muscles atrophy when people don't move. You can avoid that with dance routines. They will work all your muscles as you turn and twist. Even warming up is helpful. On your own you might not think to bend and stretch. Both men and women benefit from the muscle stretching that dance requires.

Moving burns fat. When you sit all day, you aren't burning calories. It is not unusual for seniors to gain weight after they retire. It may be much harder to get rid of excess pounds after a certain age. Dance is a great way to burn calories while you are having fun. If you don't like the idea of cardio routines and lifting weights, this could be a good, healthy solution for you.

You endurance will increase, and your whole body will shape up as a result of dancing. If it is getting harder and harder to climb a set of stairs, your level of endurance is decreasing. You can bring it back up with dance. Instructors start students off slowly because they are aware that not all are ready for full sessions. As the dance routines increase in intensity, you'll find yourself lasting longer on the dance floor.

This kind of exercise is fuel for your brain. Studies have shown that all forms of dance help reduce the onset of dementia in seniors. Alzheimer's is one of the most feared diseases for seniors. No one seems to know exactly what causes it, but scientists believe that improving spatial memory, which is what allows you to learn dance steps, is critical for a healthy brain.

Growing old is challenging. It takes work to remain active and engaged. Taking up dancing is a wonderful to get good exercise. It is food for your brain and a way to socialize with others who are learning along with you.




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