Are you completely tired of going to the gym and want to find a new way to burn off those calories, but have fun at the same time? Why don’t you try ballroom dancing? Not only can ballroom dancing improve your physical health, but it can also rejuvenate your mind as well.

Some of the benefits of ballroom dancing can help you physically by strengthening your bones and muscles, toning your body, improving posture and balance, increasing stamina and flexibility, reducing stress and tension, building confidence, and warding off certain illnesses.

If you have seen Dancing with the Stars, then you know that most of the dancers are often winded after their performances. That is probably because their heart rate was raised from dancing, essentially giving them a good workout. In addition, since it is a weight baring activity, you can strengthen your bones and muscles while dancing.

You may not believe it, but the brainpower it takes to remember the different dance steps and sequences also helps to improve your memory. In fact, in a study done with Alzheimer’s patients, some were able to recall forgotten memories when they danced to music they once knew.

In another study, more specifically a 21-year study of senior citizens, done by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, they studied the affect of cognitive activities on their ability to ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Almost none of the activities gave any significant protection against dementia, with the exception of dancing frequently. Dancing proved to be the greatest risk reduction at 76% reduced risk. The study began in 1980 so it can be concluded that the type of dancing studied was freestyle social dancing.

Other forms of dancing also give you physical and mental benefits, but since ballroom dancing is a social activity it helps build strong social ties and encourages socializing. Both give people a higher self-esteem and a positive outlook. Having that overall sense of well-being is possibly the best, sole reason to start your ballroom dancing lessons today.