Dance is a type of sport that can be practiced in different ways and in different styles, there is a different modality for almost all people according to their preferences.
This sport, besides being a form of creative expression, still brings many benefits to the body and to the mind, being a great option for those who do not like, or can not, practice high impact exercises like soccer, tennis or running, for example .
In addition, there is no age limit for dancing and therefore it is an activity that can be started in childhood or adulthood and maintained until old age, continuing to have several benefits.
1. Helps lose weight
The dance is a type of aerobic activity that allows to burn up to 600 calories per hour, according to the speed and intensity of the modality that is being practiced. So whoever does hip hop or zumba burns more calories than ballet or belly dancing:
| Type of dance | Calories spent in 1 hour |
| Hip hop | 350 to 600 calories |
| Ballroom dance | 200 to 400 calories |
| Ballet | 350 to 450 calories |
| Belly dance | 250 to 350 calories |
| Zoom | 300 to 600 calories |
| Jazz | 200 to 300 calories |
In addition, since it is a fun activity, dancing makes the weight loss process less boring, helping people maintain a regular exercise plan during the week.
2. Stimulates memory
Dancing is a type of activity that requires a good memory capacity, not only to decorate schemes, but also to remember how each step is done perfectly. So, this is a good option for those who need to stimulate their memory, because over time it becomes easier to memorize new steps and schemes.
Because it involves a lot of brain activity, dancing also helps prevent the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, which can improve aging and prevent the onset of dementia or diseases such as Alzheimer's.
3. Improves posture and flexibility
Poor posture, which usually develops at work by sitting too long at the computer, can be responsible for many types of back pain, as it causes minor changes in the spine. In these cases, dancing can be very beneficial, since dancing requires good posture with a straight spine, which is contrary to the changes that arise at work.
Since dance styles that have high kick steps or very complicated figures, such as in ballroom dancing, dance can still improve flexibility as it helps to stretch muscles and keep them more relaxed.
4. Reduces stress
Because it is a fun but at the same time complex activity, dance allows you to forget various types of problems and focus only on what you are doing. Thus, it is easier to release the stress accumulated during the day at work or at home, for example.
5. Avoid depression
Most dance modes involve classes where multiple people are present, which increases social interaction and avoids the isolation that is often responsible for leading to depression.
In addition, dancing is also very fun and works the body and mind, which causes the body to produce more endorphins, which act as natural antidepressants, fighting possible symptoms of depression.
6. Improve balance
In almost all types of dance there are steps that require a lot of balance, such as turning on one leg, standing on tiptoe or holding the same position for some time. This type of steps helps develop and strengthen a group of supporting muscles that improve balance during the day-to-day.
Thus, there is a lower risk of falls in daily activities or of developing weight lifting injuries.
