Friday 22 June 2018

6 Healthy Benefits Of Ballroom Dancing Ottawa Seniors Should Know About

By Susan Powell


Once people retire, they often find themselves isolated. This can lead to depression and poor dietary habits. Not only do they avoid exercise, a lot of them stop moving altogether. It takes effort to stay active, and not all seniors like the idea of gyms. If you are in this category, consider grabbing a partner and signing up for the ballroom dancing Ottawa senior centers are offering.

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 helps prevent osteoporosis. Bones can become brittle and joint stiff as people age. It's a natural part of the process. Dance can help this from happening. Since it is a low impact activity, it's great therapy for those who have had knees and hips replaced. When your bones are strong and your joints are flexible, your chance of serious injury decreases.

You will increase your flexibility with dance. One of the biggest dangers seniors face is the temptation to stop moving. Without a job to go to every day, some end up sitting in front of a television for hours at a time. Muscles atrophy when you don't move. Dance uses muscles throughout your body. After a few lessons you will begin to notice that you are more flexible and limber.

Calories are burned when you dance. It is not unusual for seniors to see the numbers creep up on the scales when they weigh themselves. Without doing something about it, your metabolism starts to slow down when you reach the age of twenty-five. As you reach your senior years it can be hard to get rid of unwanted fat. Dance burns calories in a fun and relaxing way.

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.

Dance stimulates your brain. Dementia in general, and Alzheimer's in particular are scary diseases. Scientists don't know exactly what causes them, and there is no cure. Scientists do know that improving spatial memory can improve individuals' chances of avoiding these diseases. Spatial memory is the area of your brain you are using when you learn, and remember, dance steps.

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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