Women often struggle to manage their weight and other health risk factors like high cholesterol once they go through menopause. A new study suggests that dancing can be effective in lowering cholesterol, improving fitness and body composition, while improving self-esteem. The study results will be published in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
After menopause, women are more likely to gain weight, increase general / central body obesity, and metabolic disorders such as: Together, these changes ultimately increase cardiovascular risk.
At around the same time, women are often less physically active, leading to a decrease in lean mass and an increased risk of falls and fractures. As a result of all of these changes, postmenopausal women often suffer from decreased self-image and self-esteem, which are directly related to overall mental health.
Physical activity has been shown to minimize some of the many health problems associated with menopause. In particular, the effect of dancing has already been investigated with regard to improving body composition and functional fitness.
Few studies, however, have combined the effects of dance on body image, self-esteem, and physical fitness in postmenopausal women.
This new study is designed to analyze the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-image / self-esteem in postmenopausal women.
Although the sample size was small, the study suggested some credible benefits of a thrice-weekly dance routine that not only improved the lipid profile and functional fitness of postmenopausal women, but also improved self-image and self-esteem.
Dance therapy is seen as an attractive option because it is an enjoyable activity with a low cost and low risk of injury to the practitioner. Other confirmed benefits of regular dancing include improving balance, posture control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance.
All of these benefits can help a woman lead an independent, high-quality lifestyle throughout her life.
The study results are published in the article “Dance Practice Modifies Functional Fitness, Lipid Profile and Self-Image in Postmenopausal Women”.
“This study underscores the feasibility of a simple intervention, such as a dance class three times a week, to improve not only the fitness and metabolic profile, but also the self-image and self-esteem of postmenopausal women enjoyed a sense of camaraderie through the shared experience, to learn something new, “said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of NAMS.
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