Every informed person knows that regular exercise is an essential element of good health. Those who regularly do some form of dancing know that it makes them feel good and improves overall well being. But few actually think of dancing as a way to improve health.
It is just that, if done on a regular basis. Like other forms of exercise, dancing, to actually contribute to good health, needs to be practiced regularly.

Dancing of course has many forms. If one is studying ballet, for instance, regular lessons are part of a regimen that includes daily practice, thus providing consistent exercise. Dancing exercises all the muscles of the body, increasing circulation, improving breathing and contributes to overall body stimulation. Ballet as a form of dancing, however, is only enjoyed by a relatively few persons.

Social dancing, however, can be done by anyone, and provides healthy exercise for anyone dancing on a regular basis. Ballroom dancing contributes to good health on several levels. Not only does it exercise the entire body when properly done….especially some of the more energetic dances such as swing, cha cha and disco dancing…but it does it in a pleasant manner in a social setting. Enjoying dancing with a partner in a social setting also contributes to mental health, as it is relaxing and stimulation, and chases cares and tensions away.

Many serious ballroom dancers take lessons, practice several times a week, and attend social dancing sessions once or twice weekly. This degree of dancing provides sufficient exercise to promote good health, physically and mentally. Most serious dancers also reject the use of alcohol when dancing, though at other times they may enjoy a cocktail. Abstaining from the use of alcohol when dancing is also a healthy practice. Dancing, on the other hand, encourages generous intake of liquids, preferably water, which also contributes to good health.

Dancing is an enjoyable way to lose weight when practiced regularly. It is far healthier than strict dieting, which can actually harm one's body. Dancing one's way to a slender figure is fun and rewarding. It is certainly preferable to exercising with machines in a crowded gym.
Certainly any form of regular exercise is a good thing, but dancing is an especially enjoyable way to work toward better health and a more relaxed mental attitude. If you want to improve your health, your mental attitude and your social life, try dancing your way to all of these benefits.