On days when going to the gym seems like a tiring task, just dance to your favourite song. This enjoyable form of exercise not only gives you a fit body and good mood, but also a sharp mind.

P.S.: Dancing here doesn’t mean you have to master Vicky Kaushal’s extremely viral ‘Tauba Tauba’ step. Even a few minutes of simple moves and turns count.

Dance is a full-body exercise that benefits your physical and mental health, and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

People who are reluctant to go to the gym, such as the elderly or those with health problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, can also benefit greatly from dance. Under supervision, people with disabilities can opt for adaptive dance programs.

How does dancing sharpen your brain?

Unlike regular walks and exercise, dancing requires more brain power.

Dr Aditya Gupta, Director, Neurosurgery and CyberKnife at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, explains, “When you dance, you don’t just move your body; you also exercise your brain. Dancing requires coordination and balance, which improves your spatial awareness and helps your brain develop new connections.”

Helena Blumen, a cognitive scientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, explained, reader’s Digest (July 2024 – India Edition) that the complex mental multitasking required for dancing activates different parts of the brain simultaneously, which may strengthen neural connections in different areas.

“It’s socially challenging, cognitively challenging and physically challenging,” he said.

Dancing is also a workout for your memory. As you learn dance steps and routines, it helps you remember patterns, rhythms, and sequences. You also multitask as you move your arms and legs following the beats. Dancing also involves problem-solving — like mastering new steps or adapting to different rhythms.

“All of these benefits stimulate neuroplasticity, helping your brain to adapt and change, reducing the risk of cognitive decline,” says Dr. Aditya Gupta.

Dance may be especially beneficial for enhancing brain health and managing symptoms of neurocognitive and movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain injuries.

Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and head of neurology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, says MS patients may have problems with movement and balance, which can hinder their exercise. “Our 12-week, twice-daily 60-minute dance sessions were suitable for people with mild to moderate relapsing-remitting MS,” he said.

Dr Praveen Gupta further explained that dance also works as a treatment for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, as it focuses on improving social participation, gait and balance using visual and auditory cues.

In 2021, a University of York study found that weekly dance classes helped people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease move better and manage daily tasks.

In a study conducted in 2018, researchers used MRI scans to study older adults who participated in either a dance program or a traditional exercise program. Both groups improved their physical fitness, but those in the dance group showed a greater increase in white and gray matter in areas of the brain that handle thinking skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Dancing is a great way to relieve stress

Feeling sad? Dance. Dancing is a great way to relieve stress and can help improve mood through the release of endorphins – feel-good hormones.

These endorphins interact with receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of euphoria and general well-being. This natural euphoria can be a powerful antidote to stress, helping individuals feel more relaxed and happier.

A 2019 study suggested that dance movement therapy reduces depression and anxiety and increases quality of life and interpersonal and cognitive skills.

More Health Benefits

Health experts say that dancing is a great way to get healthy and strong. Regular dancing improves cardiovascular health, increases flexibility, builds muscle strength and improves coordination.

Good for your heart

Dr Saibal Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Metro Hospital, Noida says, “When you dance, you improve your physical health in many ways. Dancing makes your heart beat stronger and healthier, reducing the risk of heart disease.”

Moderate-intensity dancing significantly reduces the risk of death from heart disease compared to walking, according to a study.

your lungs work better

Dancing is also good for your respiratory system. “It also makes your lungs work better, allowing you to breathe easier and feel more energetic,” says Dr. Chakravarty.

fit body

Dancing can help with weight management and increase flexibility.

“Dancing strengthens your muscles, especially in your legs, core, and arms, which helps with balance and coordination. It also improves flexibility and stretching, making it easier to move and dance,” says Dr. Chakravarti.

You can also dance to lose extra kilos or maintain a healthy weight. It helps burn calories and build muscles.

Good for your bones

Yes, dance sessions also benefit your bones. It increases bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Put on your dancing shoes and get moving!