Whether you enjoy aerobics or Zumba, salsa or rumba, tango or line dancing, or just cranking up the tunes and dancing in your living room you have found your Detox. A recent study published in Sports Medicine by Alycia Fung Yan from University of Sydney found that dance is an equally effective form of physical activity when compared with other forms of physical exercise. This study researched the effect of all types of dance on the psychological and cognition of individuals of all ages, from young children to older adults. Dance was found to be equally helpful in improving the quality of life for people with chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease as well as relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In some cases dance was better than other forms of exercise in improving motivation, cognitive ability and reducing distress. Why? The study found that the coordinated and choreographed movements require learning, focus and execution which all improve cognitive function. While mindlessly scrolling through TikTok can be a Tox, maybe all of the dancing that everyone is doing to post on TikTok has benefits that classify it as a Detox. The social interaction young teenagers and families have by coordinating a dance in a group setting, the multiples recordings and laughter (a Detox) involved provides the social interactions that help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression that come from isolation.
So how do you get started? If you feel intimated signing up for dance class you can start with YouTube. A search of “Dance Instruction” or “Dance Workout” produced hundreds of videos teaching you how to dance in every possible style. From learning to step side-to-side to a beat to more complicated moves. You can do this safely from the privacy of your home.
But, don't forget that the social aspect is really important too! Once you are feeling more comfortable with your moves you should head out to a community class. Look at the schedule at your local recreation center, Y or JCC for a Zumba class, ballroom dancing or line dancing. I live in NYC so one search of “Ballroom Dancing” produced lists of dance studios and bars with dance events.
The best part when Dance is Your Detox is that you can do it anyway that feels comfortable to you, and you do not need any special equipment. Just a smile and a desire to have a great time. And be kind, some of us cannot move to the beat that you hear, but we have our own beat inside our head!!