In which of these ways does dancing impact your health?
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Dancing and other aerobic exercises improve overall circulation in your body thus, help you burn those extra calories while improving your stamina. Another benefit lies in the fact that dance helps prevent osteoporosis in both men and women. It also helps fight arthritis by lubricating your joints. Certain forms of dance, such as Tango, go a long way in improving body balance in old age as it involves rapid movement and good posture
Dancing helps boost memory
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Dancing is a great mental exercise for your brain and it helps in boosting your memory. According to a study by The New England Journal of Medicine, dancing helps you to fight and curb risk of dementia as you get older. Science reveals that aerobic exercises, such as dancing, prevent hippocampus (part of your brain which controls memory) from shrinking, thus preventing mental impairment during old age.
Dancers shouldn't run
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Cross training helps in increasing the heart rate, which builds endurance. Hence, it is recommended that dancers should run one mile thrice a week on a soft track or a treadmill wearing supportive shoes. Just make sure to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles after each such workout session as running can make your muscles stiff. Don't forget to consult a doctor in case of any pain on your knees, hips or ankle.
For dancers, vegan or gluten free diets are healthier than their non vegan counterparts.
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People confuse gluten free foods with healthy foods. It is not necessary for a gluten free food to be absolutely healthy. These foods may have added sugar in them, which helps in enhancing the flavor. Even vegan snacks can be fattening, if you opt for chocolates and peanuts. The point is that you have to be a smart eater, not necessarily a vegan or a gluten free food endorser.
Which of these foods should you have before a dance session to optimize the benefits?
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Your pre-dance diet should necessarily have all the above foods in it, so as to maximize all the health benefits. Raisins and potatoes are rich sources of potassium, which can help you prevent muscle soreness and cramps, if your dance involves a lot of physical energy. Nuts and cheese are good sources of protein, which give you the energy you need before a rigorous dance workout without making you feel too full.