Feeling inspired by this year’s Strictly? It’s time to head to the dance floor to boost your physical and mental health – and supercharge your self-esteem
WORDS: TANYA PEAREY. PHOTOS: BBC, GETTY. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Still marvelling (or wincing!) at the flexibility of Angela Rippon doing stand-up splits in front of millions in the show’s opening weeks? She proves, at 79, that dancing isn’t just a fun thing to do at a party after a few Sauvignons. It’s fantastic for muscle strength and tone, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness – and it can help build confidence, too.
And what makes it so great is that anyone can do it. ‘You don’t have to be a professional dancer or have fantastic technique to get the benefits,’ says dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt (peterlovatt.com). ‘Even 10 minutes of dancing, as part of regular exercise, a few times a week will bring rewards.’
So what are you waiting for? As the BBC show draws to its climax, there’s still time for you to cut some rug, Strictly style, and reap the wellbeing benefits of a boogie – no sequins required!
FIND YOUR STYLE
Different types of dance offer a variety of specific benefits, says Dr Lovatt.
Salsa
This Latin partner dance is high-energy, aerobic exercise that will keep your heart in good health and build stamina and endurance. ‘It strengthens leg and hip muscles, and the positioning of your arms and back in partner work improves posture and core stability,’ says dancer Emma Sykes, owner of Barre Sculpt (barresculptltd.co.uk).
✱ GET STARTED: To learn 36 basic moves for free, search ‘Salsa Dancing Walk-Through’ on YouTube.
Ballet
Ballet is a weight-bearing exercise that will build strong muscles and bones, helping to prevent osteoporosis. ‘Core muscles are constantly engaged and back muscles work hard in port de bras (carriage of the arms), a basic ballet move,’ says Emma. The classic ballerina shape poses, often performed on one leg, will build strength and balance in your lower body, too.
✱ GET STARTED The English National Ballet’s BalletActive subscription offers a seven-day free trial, so you can get involved from home (£9.99 per month, active.ballet.org.uk).
Tap
A great cardiovascular workout, tap dancing works both arms and legs and is also fantastic fo
