Yes, it’s true! Dancing is good for your bones! I was recently reminded about the power and benefits of dance by one of my clients. She is a member of the Royal Osteoporosis Society so receives regular information on bone health condoning the impact of dancing and the force it puts through our bones.
This information is important to anyone who is suffering from osteopenia whereby sufferers begin to lose bone mass and get weaker. If you have osteopenia, you will already understand that it can sometimes be the precursor to osteoporosis.
Bone density diminishes rapidly for women in the first few years after menopause. Women are also more at risk of osteoporosis – when bones are more fragile and likely to break – particularly if their menopause began early (before the age of 45) or they’ve had their ovaries removed. I went through the menopause early so this is very important to me and why I set about creating my own exercise regime to support my ongoing health.
Rather than get to the distress, pain and inconvenience of a fracture, the NHS recommends prevention, citing regular exercise as key, including weight-bearing, high-impact exercise, such as running, aerobics and dancing.
Ok, let’s take a break (no pun intended!) Reading about the consequences of aging above can be a little depressing, but dancing brings pure joy, so let’s focus on that!
Jumping, hopping, skipping, sashaying, running…basically, all those elements that are packed into a Zumba class are key for bone health. These moves help strengthen muscles, ligaments and joints. It’s crucial though that us dancers wear good trainers too to give your ankles and feet the support they need.
The important thing, according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, is to do more exercise not less! Resistance training it important too whereby you incorporate some weights into your exercise regime. I have an online body strengthening class for this as well, but let’s get back to the dancing.
Aside from aiding bone health, dancing and Zumba just make you feel happy. It does not matter if you cannot nail all the steps. No-one else cares! It does not matter is you cannot keep up; again, no-one else cares. Just enjoy the uplifting music, hang out with others – either in person or online – and enjoy better bone health. Zumba just makes you smile!
I have recently launched a new in-person Zumba class at Slapton Village Hall. It starts at 11am and lasts an hour. If you are not local, then I have an online class at 8am on Tuesday too. Come and join in. Just give it a try. You will leave with a big smile on your face and your bones will be grateful.
You can book both my Zumba classes here.