Anyone who knows how to dance can tell you that it’s not only an incredible way to express yourself, but it’s also a great workout for your body and mind. Dancing can help you lose weight, relieve stress, increase flexibility and strength, improve your mood, and much more! Use these reasons why dancing is such a great workout to get the motivation you need to start or continue dance classes this year. You’ll be happy you did when all the health benefits finally start showing!

1) Burn Calories

A fun, social way to exercise, dancing can burn up to 230 calories per hour. It’s also low-impact, which means it’s easier on your joints than high-intensity workouts like running or cycling. And because you don’t have to go at it alone, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow dancers.

2) Decrease stress

There are many ways to reduce stress, but research has shown that dance can be the most effective form of exercise for your physical body and mind. Here are five benefits of dancing for your health.
Dance helps you unwind after a long day by releasing endorphins. These hormones are responsible for decreasing stress levels, boosting moods, as well as increasing brain activity.

3) Improve your posture

Posture plays an important role in your overall health. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain, muscle tension, restricted breathing, poor circulation and lots of other problems. Here are some tips on how you can improve your posture

4) Strengthen your core

Whether you’re shaking it on the dance floor or in your living room, dancing helps develop strong core muscles. Plus, the more you dance, the stronger those muscles become. In addition to strengthening your core, dancing also strengthens your lower back, spine and hips—all of which are important for maintaining good posture.

5) Gain flexibility in your joints, muscles and ligaments

Dance can improve flexibility in your joints, muscles and ligaments. Research suggests that dancing can stretch your body in ways that are impossible with traditional exercise. The increased range of motion helps reduce the risk of injury, which can be especially helpful for people who participate in sports or other activities where joint health is vital.

6) Reduce cholesterol levels

Reducing high cholesterol levels can help lower the risk of heart disease. So, if you’re looking for a way to combat cholesterol, try adding some dancing into your exercise routine. Studies show that people who dance in their spare time are less likely to have high cholesterol than those who don’t participate in any physical activity.

7) Strengthen bones

When you dance, you work against gravity. This increases your bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis. In fact, the Framingham Osteoporosis Study found that frequent dancing reduces bone loss by 50%. So get on the dance floor!

8) Mental benefits

Dance releases endorphins which helps keep you happy and energized. Dancing helps relieve stress by getting your blood pumping through your body. The more movement, the more calories you’ll burn, which will help you reach your goals . Having fun while dancing will make you forget that it’s exercise, so it won’t seem like work anymore! Dance classes are an opportunity for socialization with friends or new people who are just as interested in dance as you are

9) Muscle strengthening benefits of dancing

One of the most important benefits of dancing is that it strengthens your muscles. This includes your core, which helps you stay upright, as well as your upper body muscles. When you dance, you’ll also strengthen your lower body muscle groups. These groups include the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and shins. And don’t forget about all those arm muscles that are strengthened with every twirl!

10) Brain health benefits of dancing

Research has shown that dancing helps keep your brain healthy by improving cognitive function and motor skills. In fact, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time sitting in front of the computer or TV screen, dance can help you improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination. Dance also helps release feel-good endorphins, which are linked to improved moods. In addition to the physical benefits of dance are the mental benefits as well.