A new study suggests that dancing may effectively lower cholesterol levels, improve fitness and body composition in postmenopausal women
Postmenopausal women are susceptible to weight gain, overall/central body adiposity increases, and metabolic disturbances, which together, increases cardiovascular risk.
At the same time, postmenopausal women are often less physically active and as a result, often suffer from decreased self-image and self-esteem.
A new study, designed to analyse the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-image/self-esteem, has found credible benefits of a three-times-weekly dance regimen.
Dance therapy
Dance therapy was found to not only improve the lipid profile and functional fitness but also self-image and self-esteem.
Dancing is also known to improve balance, postural control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance.
Dr Stephanie Faubion, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) medical director said: “This study highlights the feasibility of a simple intervention, such as a dance class three times weekly, for improving not only fitness and metabolic profile but also self-image and self-esteem. In addition to these benefits, women also probably enjoyed a sense of comradery from the shared experience of learning something new.”
The full study has been published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
