The Real Benefits Of Adding Dance To Your Workout Routine

Let's face it. Every now and then we need to switch up our workout routine. Even if you love your head-clearing morning run, or the calming effects of your weekly yoga class, routines can get stale if you don't try something new from time to time. But before you drop your go-to workout completely, consider adding dance to liven up your weekly exercise schedule instead. It may take two to tango, but there are many other types of dance that can be done solo that are just as fun. Whether you're a beginner at the chicken dance or ready to try out for Swan Lake, no matter what type of dancing you choose, there are some real benefits to be gained that will reward your overall health.

According to a report from the University of Brighton in the UK shown via Time, you can burn over 300 calories for every 30 minutes you shimmy and shake. This impressive amount goes above and beyond the calories burned during a low-intensity 30 minute run or swim. It's true! Dancing requires, "movement in all directions," says Nick Smeeton, a principal lecturer at the University of Brighton. The stop-and-go nature of dance allows the body to burn a high amount of energy.

Blasting the calories away while partaking in the Macarena is a huge benefit. The burn is great, but let's talk about mental gain. Healthline shares that dancing can also help diminish the symptoms of depression and relieve stress. In addition to a happier and more relaxed self, Everyday Health claims dancing can actually help boost your memory and decrease your chances of battling dementia as you get older.

If you love your morning runs and weekly yoga classes, then taking up dance could be the best thing to get even more out of your existing regimen. According to Everyday Health, dancing can help increase your energy leading to faster and longer runs. It also helps with your flexibility and balance, which might be helpful next time you're trying to sit in a tree pose. So strap on your tap shoes or simply learn the steps to the Hokey Pokey and turn up the volume, because no matter which form of dance you choose, it's going to benefit both your mental and physical health.