Weekly exercise series: Dance
Dancing can improve communion and relationships due to added physical touch, teamwork, and intimacy.
Dancing is an inclusive form of exercise that has a positive impact on one’s physical image and confidence. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and any pent up energy.
Studies have revealed that the areas responsible for controlling memory, such as organizing, planning, and storing information, improve with exercises that require enhanced focus such as dance.
Dancing is ultimately an exercise that can strengthen relationships as it encourages people to interact with each other in a fun, relaxed environment. Often, this can take place during one’s youth, such as high school dances, semi formals, proms, and celebrations. Some of the most popular styles of dancing include ballet, salsa, jazz, and hip-hop.
Ballet focuses on flexibility with slower movements and increased cognitive awareness. It requires upper body strength and can be a great way to improve focus and balance.
Salsa dancing requires a partner to accompany fast and slow paced dance moves. It can be an energetic and upbeat form of dancing. It is also an excellent workout for your heart and can improve circulation as it can burn up to 600 calories per hour.
It also involves enhanced physical touch as both partners aim to achieve communion among the rhythm of the dance moves. Salsa dancing requires team effort that can strengthen emotions and unity between couples and partners.
Jazz dancing involves a high intensity workout as it requires you to dance to energetic music with added kicks, leaps, and turns.
Hip-hop dancing allows people to freestyle and have some creativity when dancing to hip-hop music. This allows individuals to express themselves with different outfits and moves, leading to an elevated mood.
At the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre, due to Covid-19 and safety protocols, group fitness classes will be available virtually. On February 18 and 25 there will be a Cardio Dance Fusion class offered to students, alumni, and U of T members from 12:10-12:55 p.m. in Gym C.
A tip when getting involved with dancing is to experiment with different styles and choose one that makes you feel content and engaged.
With minimal equipment needed and an inclusive environment, students can engage in this activity by themselves or with friends or partners for both physical and emotional benefits.
Staff Writer (Volume 48) — Anjalli graduated with a Specialization in Political Science and a minor in English. Through her contributions at The Medium, she aims to educate readers on the unique complexities of life and how we strive to overcome challenges collectively through policies and voice. In her free time she enjoys reading the latest news, meditating by her Saje diffuser, or looking at Pinterest for fashion inspiration. If you ask Anjalli what her favourite food is, she’d reply “a green dragon sushi roll!”