Dance sport: Dancing as a workout and balance to everyday stress
Do you like listening to music? And do you want to feel happy , mentally and physically fit , free and relaxed ? Then this story is just right for you. Because it is about the sport that can do absolutely everything – and that everyone can learn: dancing . Whether it is with a relaxed hip swing during Zumba, a simple disco fox standard dance or groovy hip hop moves – the main thing is that it is about rhythmically coordinated movement to the music . Have you ever tried it? Maybe at a concert, with friends in a club or completely uninhibited alone at home? Then you are sure to know this unique feeling that scientists have even been researching for years . Numerous positive effects of dance sport have now been proven: We will tell you what advantages dancing offers and how they can be used specifically – for example as a workout , endurance training or brain training .
Everyone can learn dance sport
No sense of rhythm? According to researchers, we don't have one: even newborns develop intuitive expectations of rhythmic cycles. The ability to recognize rhythmic patterns (so-called beat induction ) is therefore considered a fundamental human characteristic - which may even have played a decisive role in the creation of music. Accordingly, people who like music have all the prerequisites to learn dance:
Physical requirements
- Basic mobility and coordination
- Endurance
- body control
Mental requirements
- Motivation and enjoyment of exercise
- willingness to learn new things
- Letting go of perfectionism
Of course, there are some people who have a gift or talent. Others grow up in an environment that is very dance and music-oriented . As a result, some people find it easier to learn certain movements, choreographies or adapt to a beat. But the benefits of dancing and the effects are the same for all of us - regardless of age, gender, body type or previous knowledge.
Standard, hip-hop, Zumba? The main thing is dancing!
Dance sport – more than just movement to music
Top athletes such as Christiano Ronaldo, Usain Bolt and Serena Williams rave about dance sport . Why? Dancing is not only beautiful to watch and a sociable pastime, but a true all-rounder when it comes to fitness , mental health , self-confidence and our general well-being . That's why it's also a fantastic balancing sport . Read on now if you want to find out how dancing can take your physical and mental fitness to a new level, reduce stress and release feelings of happiness .
Dancing as a Workout
Are you looking for an effective workout for the whole body? Did you know that dance sports can train your endurance , strength , coordination and flexibility at the same time? Whether ballet, modern dance or dance aerobics: every type of dance gets your body moving and challenges different muscle groups. So burn calories while dancing, strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility
Endurance training: For example, dancing like Zumba or Salsa can become an intensive cardio workout that significantly increases calorie consumption and improves endurance.
- strengthening the cardiovascular system
- improving fitness
- Effective calorie consumption
Strength training : Ballet, pole dancing and contemporary dance in particular strengthen the core muscles, leg and buttock muscles and general posture.
- strengthening the core muscles
- tightening of the leg and buttock muscles
- improving posture
Coordination training : Balance, agility and coordination are trained in hip-hop or tap dance workouts, for example.
- balance training
- improvement of movement sequences
- increasing agility
Flexibility training : In ballet, yoga dance or modern dance there is often a strong focus on flexibility.
- increasing joint mobility
- stretching of the muscles
- reducing the risk of injury
Dance Sport for the Brain
Dancing is not only fun and keeps you fit, it has also been shown to have positive effects on the brain, especially in older people. One study has shown that dancing with music, movement and social interaction promotes brain neuroplasticity , which means that the brain becomes more flexible and adaptable . The brains of those who learned to dance were better connected after training and adapted to new information more quickly. This positive effect on the brain is based on the fact that different areas of the brain are activated when dancing. Communication between nerve cells and the formation of new connections are promoted, which can lead to improved mental performance.
- Promoting neuroplasticity and flexibility of the brain
- improvement of cognitive abilities and mental performance
- Promoting social interaction and emotional well-being
Dance yourself healthy and happy – stress relief and mental strength
It's not just your physical health that can be improved through dance sport. We've already mentioned that dancing also works like a workout for the brain and even helps with the symptoms of some illnesses. And your mental health is also positively influenced by the rhythmic movements. Studies have confirmed that dancing helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol - in other words, it acts like a natural stress killer against negative thoughts and worries. At the same time, happiness hormones are released that make us happy and confident. Try it out for yourself!
Find your style: Learn to dance – easy and uncomplicated
From energetic Zumba moves to elegant standard couple dances, the world of dance has something for everyone . Discover and learn different types of dance - and find your favorite that suits your fitness level and personal preferences. It doesn't matter whether you prefer dancing in a group or alone . The main thing is that you enjoy moving to the music.
There are several ways to start dancing at any age :
- Online courses and tutorials (e.g. on YouTube or online dance schools):
- Flexible
- Independent of time and place
- Cost-effective
- Dance courses in the dance school (with affordable trial dance courses):
- Personal guidance and correction
- Motivating atmosphere
- Opportunity to exchange ideas with other dancers
- Dance sport in a group or with friends (at home, as a flash mob or in special challenges):
- fun factor
- motivation through the group
- opportunity to practice and exchange ideas
- Dancing in your free time (in the club, at home or just there and when you feel like it):
- Unconstrained
- Alone or in a group
- No specific dance style, no previous knowledge required
Whether you have never danced before, have taken a course in physical education or dance sport has been your hobby for a long time: with the different levels and dance sports, there is something suitable for everyone - children to adults.
Dancing as a whole-body workout – support before and after the dance session
With the right supplements, snacks and drinks from Dextro Energy* you can supply your body with nutrients before, during or after your dance session and support your regeneration 1 . It's also ideal if you want to manage the transition from work to leisure time. This way you can concentrate fully on your movements and enjoy your dance session. You can spice up the taste of your drinks and turn them into high-quality electrolyte drinks with our Zero Calories° effervescent tablets, while our muesli bar is perfect for when you're a little hungry. And you can also chew our vegan energy gums* with quick, delicious carbohydrates while you dance.
Dancing – healthy for body and mind
Dancing is more than just a sport. It is a way of life that combines joy, movement and health. Discover the many benefits of dancing for yourself and integrate this varied sport into your everyday life . Dance yourself fit, happy and strong - your body and mind will thank you!
* contains carbohydrates
1 Zero Calories°: Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to electrolyte balance and to normal energy metabolism.
° valid for the prepared drink
A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.
SOURCES:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19171894/ x https://www.spektrum.de/magazin/warum-tanzen-so-gesund-ist/1704918
https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/So-gut-ist-Tanzen-fuer-Koerper-und-Geist,tanzen434.html
https://apollo.mw.hdm-stuttgart.de/gesundheitundmotion/?p=711
https://www.dgsp.de/seite/389565/efsma-trainingskommen.html
PHOTO CREDITS:
all images: @iStock
iStock.com/vgajic
iStock.com/urbazon
