Dancing Like Your Ancestors May Provide Better Health
By Tom Herrin
For many Americans, there is a rich heritage that goes back decades, or even centuries. Most of them did not have to worry about exercise because their daily routines involved so many physical hardships. In addition to that, they sought relief from their work in the form of recreation. Much of this was centered in social activities that involved the entire community. One of these was square dancing. While it was quite popular in those days, it still remains so with a lot of groups today, even if it is not so widely practiced. There are many groups and clubs that dance, with much of it including the entire family.
It May Seem Unconventional
There is no doubt about the fact that square dancing is not on the radar for many. Some of this is simply because it lacks the visibility of so many other programs. When many think of exercise, they think of gyms or tracks or some of the many outdoor facilities that operate as some sort of camp. It is unfortunate that any kind of dancing is an almost lost art for many parts of society. In a high tech world, it gets forgotten. People-to-people contact has been overshadowed by the many modern forms of communication.
It Can Help the Heart and Blood Pressure
There is a lot of movement in the dancing that can be the equivalent of the same time spent jogging, swimming, or riding a bicycle. It burns calories while providing almost constant motion. Effective exercise should keep the blood moving while working the muscles. Square dancing does a pretty good job of this because there is a lot of reacting to calls and performing different kinds of moves.
Having Fun Is Always a Good Motivator
For those who have not experienced square dancing first hand, it is really enjoyable. It is one of those things that you will become fully immersed in from the start. The fact that it's something that the whole family can do is a real plus. Many families create bonds with groups that can carry over to many other things. What a great, wholesome way to spend an evening. Our forefathers may have had something when they did it. It can still improve our lives and health today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.