Dance yourself to good health
By Veita Bland, M.D. / February 23, 2024
Dancing is something just about anyone can do. It gets the body moving and it is fun. Dancing two to three times a week is good for the body.
The excitement of 2024 and the promises you have made to yourself to get into better shape have not quite materialized. You still have hopes of getting your body into the shape you want because you know how important it is to your general health. Who would not want to have better blood pressure readings and just feel great about the way your body moves and looks?
Well, do not despair because there is help on the way. There is a way to try to save the day. How about dancing? Remember that elixir of your youth? Remember all those fun times you had in your youth?
Dancing is something that just about everyone can do. It gets the body moving and it is fun. Fun is such an important word when we speak of finding an exercise that will be done regularly because that is a hallmark of getting in shape, regularity of the activity.
Okay, you have not had those dancing shoes on for a minute or so. Have no fear for that can be remedied. Start off slow, some recommend hot yoga to get those joints and tendons moving. Others say to start off with some slow music and warm up with gentle running in place followed by gentle stretching.
You can begin with small increments of 5-10 minutes of dancing. Experts tell us that six 10-minute sessions of exercise scattered throughout the day are better for you than one 60-minute marathon of exercise.
If you have limitations with your lower body or legs, there are plenty of exercises you can find on YouTube such as chair exercises, which play any genre of music you may desire. Who has not seen a driver at a stop light getting down in their car when their favorite song came on the radio?
For people who enjoy dancing with friends, check out dance classes at gyms or dance studios. For example, line dancing has become extremely popular, as are taking classes at a dance studio. Just going for it and dancing in your own family room may be best for you. The more creative the dance is the better, say the experts. Dancing two to three times a week can be so invigorating for the body. It also helps the soul with interaction with others, building friendships and adding to community while you improve your body, your health and you are having fun. So, in the name of that golden oldie, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, keep on moving.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
