A new study reveals women in their prime can decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke and stay healthy by dancing.
Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for numerous health concerns. As women age, their metabolism naturally slows down, which often results in weight gain. High cholesterol, belly fat, and elevated blood pressure all exacerbate the health risks for older women. Women have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke after menopause, and women who are overweight and sedentary have a higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Extra pounds also increase the chances of being diagnosed with various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial, the Mayo Clinic reported. To make matters worse, bone loss rises as the ovaries stop producing estrogen, which can lead to osteoporosis.
One of the best ways women can alleviate health risks as they age is exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
A new study conducted by The North American Menopause Society highlights the transformative power of dancing as a form of exercise for women after menopause. The study analyzed the effects of dancing on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-esteem in postmenopausal women. It followed 36 women with a mean age of 57 who spent 90 minutes dancing three times per week. At the end of the 16-week study, the participants had lower cholesterol, improved physical fitness, and higher self-esteem.
Dance Your Way to Good Health
Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers private and group lessons for women who want to stay active and have fun. In addition to helping alleviate some of the health risks associated with menopause, ballroom dancing helps increase flexibility and endurance. Learning to salsa and foxtrot can improve balance and help stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Our dance instructors create a warm, welcoming atmosphere to help students learn the time-honored tradition of ballroom dancing.
Check out the moves of these women who are not afraid to let the music take control and dance their way to good health.
In this clip, the Ruby Red Performers proved that age is just a number when they got a standing ovation for their performance on season nine of “Britain’s Got Talent.”
Take a look at this woman who hops out of her car and busts a move to a popular throwback song by C+C Music Factory, “Gonna Make You Sweat.”
This high school counselor, mom, and grandmother from Newport News, Virginia, had a dream of being an entertainer. She achieved her dream by posting videos of her dancing on the popular social media app TikTok. Tammy Ortery credits her popularity to her relatable appearance.
In addition to dancing, eating a healthy diet is key. Medical experts recommend postmenopausal women reduce the amount of processed foods they consume and adopt a diet of lean meats, vegetables, and fruit to prevent long-term health concerns. Adding foods rich in vitamin D and vitamin C will help stem bone loss.
Hit the Dance Floor at FADS
Don’t let hormones and a few extra pounds weigh you down. Stay healthy and learn a new hobby by contacting your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios location to schedule your first dance lesson.
