Dancing - The Best Exercise!

Your pre dance diet should necessarily have all the above foods in it in order 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.

Dancing is a great mental exercise for your brain and it helps boost memory. According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, dancing helps you fight and curb risk of dementia as you get older. Science reveals that aerobic exercises, such as dancing, prevent the hippocampus (the part of your brain which controls memory) from shrinking, thus preventing mental impairment during old age.

Dancing and other aerobic exercises improve overall circulation in your body, thus helping you burn away those extra calories while bettering 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 older adults as it involves rapid movement and good posture.

Cross training helps in increasing the heart rate, which builds endurance. Hence, it is recommended that dancers 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.