(ANN/AFP/THE STAR) – In 2008, Lady Gaga was encouraging everyone to get down to the sound of her global hit Just Dance.
The track is aptly named, since dancing has many health benefits.
In fact, a recent American study claims that a good boogie could offer effects comparable to those of running.
Forget squats and dumbbells! To stay in shape, simply get your body moving to the beat of your favourite song.
At least, so suggests a study recently published in the journal PLOS One and conducted by Northeastern University assistant professor of physical therapy, human movement and rehabilitation sciences Dr Aston McCullough.
The scientific community has long agreed on the many benefits of dance.
This artistic and sporting activity improves cardiovascular (heart) health, strengthens balance, increases flexibility and plays a positive role in psychological well-being.
But until now, few studies have really assessed the effectiveness of free-form dance, performed without a specific structure or choreography.
Does it enable a moderate or intense level of physical activity to be achieved, in line with public health recommendations?
To answer this question, Asst Prof McCullough brought together some 50 volunteers aged between 18 and 83, with a wide range of levels of practice, from zero to 56 years of dance experience.
For this study, there was no required choreography: participants could move freely as they preferred, at their own chosen moderate and vigorous intensity levels, using self-selected music or not.
By accurately measuring participants’ heart rate, oxygen levels and perceived exertion, Asst Prof McCullough discovered that free-form dance achieves the intensity thresholds suggested for beneficial physical activity, regardless of the dancers’ training experience.
Music, for its part, naturally encourages people to move more.
“You don’t necessarily need to have music, you don’t need to have any training or a teacher, anyone – ostensibly – can dance right where they are and get a health-enhancing dose of physical activity,” the researcher said in a news release.
This is good news for anyone who struggles to find the time or inclination for regular exercise.
Unlike other sports, dancing requires no special equipment, no dedicated space and no special training.
A living room, hallway, or even an office, is all you need to strut your stuff.
However, while dance can contribute to cardio work, it is not enough on its own to strengthen muscles and improve cardiorespiratory endurance.
According to recommendations from public health authorities, adults between 18 and 64 should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, or a combination of both.
In addition, muscle-strengthening activities should be done on two or more days a week.
However, some dance styles, such as breakdance, include weight-bearing movements that involve all major muscle groups.
Nevertheless, further studies are required to evaluate their actual impact on muscular fitness and bone health.
In the meantime, there’s no excuse not to get moving.
Whether alone or in a group, with or without music, dancing continues to be one of the easiest and enjoyable methods to maintain your health.
So, in the words of Lady Gaga, “Just dance!”
