Whether you’re swirling across the floor to a Waltz or doing do-si-dos to the direction of a square dance caller or round dance cuer, you’re getting exercise and probably having fun too. Dancing can burn as many calories as walking or riding a bike.
How long, how often, and how intensely you dance can contribute to your cardiovascular conditioning. Dancing can help lower coronary heart disease risk, decrease blood pressure, and manage weight. Another plus of dancing is that the weight bearing movement of your steps can strengthen the bones of your legs and hips.
Dancing is an activity we can do for the rest of our lives. The sociability it provides is part of its allure. It’s a way to make new friends and be creative and expressive. The best part of dancing is the fun you can have while you are doing something great for your body.
Links to More Information on Dancing and Health:
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www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/dont-be-square-dance
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www.aarp.org/health/fitness/get_motivated/lets_dance_to_health.html
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http://seniorliving.about.com/od/hearthealth/a/heart_health_da.htm
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Links to Portland/Vancouver Health Care Providers-Ask your doctor if dancing would be good for you:
