Traditional forms of exercise — think walking, strength training, swimming, or cycling — are well-known for their health benefits, including the effects they can have on healthy aging. Dance is another a modality to consider, as it offers a unique combination of movement, joy, and cognitive stimulation.
“Dancing is one of the best activities for the healthy aging population,” says Rob Glick, senior director of group fitness programming and innovation and creator of several ARORA programs for Life Time. “Our ARORA Dance class at Life Time is a cardio workout that combines music with simple dance moves, which leads to a host of physical and cognitive health benefits.”
Here, Glick outlines several healthy-aging advantages of adding a weekly dance class to your healthy-living routine.
1. Dance can lead to improved brain health.
Research shows that one of the best ways to create synapse growth in the brain and improve neuroplasticity (the capacity of the nerve cells in your brain to adapt to different circumstances) is through movement patterns to music. Dancing improves cognitive flexibility, which can keep the mind sharp and is associated with reduced risk of dementia.
“Learning a movement pattern set to music elicits more brain function than other brain-stimulating activities like reading or crossword puzzles,” Glick explains. “The combination of movement, memory, rhythm, and music is exceptional for brain health.” (Learn more: “Healthy Aging and the Brain: 5 Ways to Improve Neuroplasticity.”)
2. Dance can reduce the risk of falling and injury.
Exercising and moving your body plays a major role in fall and injury prevention by helping improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, mobility, and more. Dance especially can promote the agility needed to keep you upright and support your everyday movement.
“In ARORA Dance, we work on a lot of cross-body patterns — moving your right leg while your left leg holds you steady, for example — which works your balance and coordination, while also helping stimulate brain function and improve neuroplasticity.”
3. Dance can help improve heart and lung function.
Dance gets you moving in all directions and breathing hard, which brings your heart rate up and can increase your lung capacity. Over time, your cardiovascular endurance also increases, helping your heart and lungs better supply your body with oxygen.
“The rhythmic movements we do in ARORA Dance stimulate blood circulation, which in turn reduces strain on your heart,” says Glick. “Dancing also gets your heart rate up while boosting your endurance so you can keep moving for a longer amount of time.”
4. Dance is fun — and joy promotes consistency.
Along with being an effective workout, dancing is also a mood booster and stress reliever, as it promotes the release of serotonin and other feel-good hormones. Consistently moving your body each day is one of the top recommendations for healthy aging — and you’re much more likely to stick to a movement routine when you enjoy what you’re doing.
“Fitness doesn’t have to be arduous,” says Glick. “It should feel joyful. The only thing you’re going to stick to is something you like doing — and dance just feels like a great time.”
ARORA Dance at Life Time
ARORA Dance is part of the ARORA collection of fitness, social, and educational programs at Life Time. Designed for all skill levels and ages, no dance experience is necessary for this class.
“The routines are easy to learn and follow,” says Glick. “The instructors break them down into steps to take at your own pace, so no one feels left behind. ARORA Dance allows participants to embrace the enjoyment of movement using music that encompasses a wide range of decades and genres. We also often host themed classes with music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and more.”
