Did you know that dancing improves brain function and boosts memory? Several studies have shown that dancing is linked to reduced risk of dementia. In a study by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, they found that dancing is associated with 76% reduced risk of dementia among participants.
Other studies show that dance helps reduce stress, increase levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, and helps develop new neural connections, especially in regions involved in executive function, long-term memory, and spatial recognition. In a small study at North Dakota’s Minot State University, researchers found that exercises classes, Zumba in particular, improved mood and certain cognitive skills. In these studies, Dance has been shown to improve focus, attention, memory, and weight loss.
I believe some of the reasons these studies found that Zumba specifically is beneficial for your health and cognitive function, is that it keeps participants consistent with their exercise routine, Zumba is easy to follow, the music is fun, there is a lot of social interacting and participants have had success in weight loss.
Something I have observed over the years from teaching fitness classes is that participants thrive on social interaction and the camaraderie with like-minded people. Working out in a group setting helps participants stick with their goals and having the accountability of others keeps them coming back week after week.
Through regular aerobic training that incorporates some type of dance at least once a week anyone can maximize his or her brain function and live a healthy lifestyle.
References:
Wendy Suzuki; Ph.D in Neuroscience (my love affair with the brain)
Five Amazing Health Benefits of Zumba docor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/5-amazing-health-benefits
About the author:
Judy Gadbois has been in the health and fitness industry most of her life, conducting fitness classes and managing group fitness and wellness programs for our BaySport clients. Judy is currently managing group fitness and wellness with our Visa team. Her biggest passion in managing fitness is building a strong team and focusing on providing our clients/customers with an exceptional experience. Judy is the mother of three grown daughters who also know the importance of health and fitness. She enjoys hiking, walking her dog Bandit, spending time with her daughters and traveling.
Great article Judy!