All the ways dance improves your brain and body

Has your week been full of headaches and troubles? The best cure is some exercise, PLUS MUSIC! It’s time to let loose, put on some lekker tunes and, get FIT and FABULOUS!

We share some of the health benefits of dance for young and old. Plus! Our favourite local TikTok dancers for some dance-spiration.

Your heart feels the beat

Dancing is in line with the Western Cape Health Department’s physical activity guidelines. Adults should engage in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity for 4-5 days, or 150 minutes per week.

This reduces the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Follow a dance-inspired workout online or check out ‘Dance Tutorials’ on TikTok.

While not much is known about (backwards) hooded figure, they share dance tutorial for some of the country’s most trendy tracks. Their bio reads: one dance a day keeps the Dr. away. And we think they might be on to something.

WATCH IT HERE:

@__dance__tutorialss_ This dance 😍🔥(Dc:Please tag) #dancetutorials #dance #__dance__tutorialss_ #dancetutorial #tutorials ♬ Umph in it Challenge mix – Weez

or give this a whirl

@__dance__tutorialss_ DC@Figo x @babu 🔥 #tutorial #dancetutorial #tutorials #dancetutorials #__dance__tutorialss_ ♬ Yah Yah Yah – Officixl Rsa

Boosts your brain health

Dancing can improve your memory, even prevent the onset of dementia. Other research shows that dance exercises can reverse volume loss in the part of the brain that controls memory. The hippocampus tends to shrink during late adulthood.

Plus! Trying to remember certain steps to a dance or deliver them in sequence is a great way to challenge your brain.

Speaking of memory – when those two violins play on the TV, everyone knows what time it is – local hit series 7de Laan. Two students on TikTok have brought our childhoods to life with their dance to the famous theme song. Not only did Mzanzi love this rendition – but many feel they resemble two characters from the show, Paula and Aggie.

WATCH IT HERE:

@swizz.n.sizz81 #7delaan #fyp #makeusfamous ib: @kholosa! ♬ original sound – pills_of_life

Dance strengthens the body and tones muscles

Unlike walking in a straight plane from the bus station to the office, dance throws in lateral and rotational movements. This improves agility and balance, and coordination. It also strengthens muscles while having fun!

Feel the burn and enjoy a little laugh with SA’s very own Madea. ‘General Kels’, real name Keletjo Manasseh Phoshoko, has given the viral ‘Bacardi Challenge’ a whirl. Comedically in a towel, with SA’ns asking for dancing tips!

WATCH IT HERE:

@general_kels_ 😭😭😭 open the circle!!! #lethabosmother ♬ original sound – Mene Mene 🤓

A social activity to boost your mood

You might feel too self-conscious to dance in front others, but sharing the dance floor with other people can be fun! It is all about finding a group you can let loose in, with a dance that’s right for you. This can improve your social interactions, and your emotional health.

Speaking of – dance greatly improves your mood too. The ‘letting loose’ aspect of dance helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It pumps up your self-esteem too!

Be sure to check out Crispdal’s TikTok page filled with groovy moves and follow-along-slomo-dance content. The 26-year-old shares a variety of dance genres on his platform. Enough that you will a clip that gets you up on your feet, and dancing!

WATCH IT HERE:

@crispdal Still giving lessons with my twin 😁😂🔥. #crispdal #tutorial ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show