Dancing: A Fun Exercise for Menopause
We know regular exercise can improve physical health, increase well-being, and lead to a better quality of life. Dancing is a fun form of menopause exercise that can ease symptoms, boost your mood and make you smile!
For some women the word ‘exercise’ can be a massive barrier in menopause, and even more so beyond! Unable to identify with lycra clad gym bunnies, combined with a lack of awareness and confidence about how to exercise and what they look like, they may also struggle to shake-off the negative feelings around sport at school that so many women report. If we reframe the way we think about and access exercise, and think more about the positive benefits of movement and exercise in menopause, then dance is the answer - it’s a fantastic way to get you in the groove to move!
Dance your way to a more positive menopause
Studies have shown that dancing can help with stress reduction by increasing levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, that helps develop new neural connections, especially in regions involved in executive function, the skills required for the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks, long-term memory, and spatial recognition.
A small study that looked at Dancing for Healthy Ageing: Functional and Metabolic Perspectives concluded that any style of dance can “induce positive functional adaptations in older adults, especially related to balance… Dancing may be a potential exercise intervention to promote health-related benefits for ageing individuals.”
We asked Elizabeth Arifien, Founder & Creative Director of Creative Dance London to share some of the powerful benefits of dancing. Elizabeth says “There is no wrong or right when moving.”
Working up a sweat can help you feel more in control of both your body and your mind. Elizabeth shares 5 key components she uses to improve mental and physical health; all of which can be achieved by embracing creative dance as one of the best forms of exercise in perimenopause and menopause.
6 Tips to give you the motivation to move and groove in menopause!
Creativity and Self Expression
Dancing allows self-expression and your creativity can be expressed. Interpretation is a large part of what dance is about. Dance has the power to convey the body's messages and stories to the world around you and when dealing with the complexities of menopause this space is sacred.
Community
Dancing with others online, or in-person, makes you feel connected and supported, especially during these challenging times. Dancing can improve your self-confidence, making it easier to form new friendships – it is a brilliant way to break down language barriers and enjoy life together.
Music
Music can inspire your physical movements and take your mind to new and happy places. Research titled “Zumba®: Is the “Fitness-Party” a Good Workout?” Concluded that the Latin-style dance improves mood and certain cognitive skills, such as visual recognition and decision-making.
Exercise Your Brain
Remembering steps challenges your brain, memory, your coordination, body, and your focus. It has been proven that learning new moves and combinations improves memory and enhances concentration.
Present Moment Focus
Focusing on moving your body and connecting to your breath brings you into the here and now. It disconnects you from your problems and gives you a chance to escape and unwind.
Plan fun, active dates
Dating can take time, and you may have to meet quite a few people before finding ‘the one’, so make sure you enjoy the dating experience. Instead of just going to the same pub or restaurant each time, plan dates around activities and events which you wanted to attend anyway. That way, even if you don’t fancy your date, you can still have a fun experience.
January 2021
