We all know that exercise is good for you, but isn’t there a form of exercise that is also fun and doesn’t seem like hard work?
Yes, there is, it is called square dancing, it is the perfect exercise, and sessions are held right here in Lakes Entrance.
Square dancing is a low impact activity that helps keep the body in shape. As with regular exercise, square dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol profile.
Many square dance movements can strengthen your weight-bearing bones and help prevent or slow down loss of bone mass (osteoporosis), burns off calories, and can even add years to your life.
It is also teamwork – Your team of eight dancers depend on one another to keep the dance moving.
Square dancing is a mental challenge – Reacting quickly to the square dance caller keeps you mentally on your toes. And while concentrating on the moves, you escape from your worries and pressures.
Square dancing is sociable and just plain fun – Square dancing involves a social component that solitary fitness endeavours do not. And talking about fun, just ask any square dancer how much fun they have. It’s a great way to build friendships, boost self-esteem and maintain a positive outlook. The companionship square dancing provides is a powerful antidote to depression and loneliness. Plus, laughter is good for your immune system.
Square dancing is easy to learn – One of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In next to no time, you don’t have to think about how to do it, you just do it. You don’t worry about where your feet go, it’s automatic. Square dancing is based upon walking in defined directions for defined distances which is exactly what walking is. And since walking is one of the most natural things we do square dancing becomes so easy to learn.
Square dancing is universal – No matter where you go in the world, square dancing is the same. The movements have been standardised and are called in the same way. The dance programs used are all standardised, and no matter where in the world you learn, you can still dance the same in other parts of the world.
Your square dance family truly includes the whole world.
Square dancing offers significant physical and mental health benefits, improving cardiovascular fitness, balance and brain function while reducing stress, anxiety and depression through moderate aerobic exercise, social connection and cognitive challenges like learning calls, leading to better overall quality of life and stronger community bonds. It provides a fun, low-impact workout that can burn calories and boost mood, making it a lifelong activity for all ages.
Details to get in touch with this fun loving group are available from Lakes Post.
