Let’s dance! Not only is it fun, but dance is also a great way for seniors to burn calories, increase heart rate, lower stress levels, and stay active. If in-person classes aren’t currently being offered in your community, remember that you can still dance the night away in the comfort of your living room! Our senior caregivers in Sussex County have put together 5 low-impact dance exercises for seniors to try out. These exercises can be easily modified to every fitness level and require little to no equipment.
Safety note:
seniors should consult a primary care doctor or professional trainer before
performing any new exercise routines.
#1 – Ballroom
dancing
The classics are a
great place to start when you’re just learning how to dance, and the foxtrot
and waltz aren’t just elegant – they’re fun too! With simple steps that you can
practice easily at home, ballroom lessons can be an escape to a more romantic
time. So, put on your best dress or suit and get ready to get swept away. Here
is a great beginners
dance video tutorial that you can play on your Smart TV, computer or
tablet if classes aren’t available in your area.
#2 – Square dancing
If you haven’t got a
lot of space but still want to boogie, square dancing is the way to go! There
are plenty of outdoor spaces where classes can be held in the beautiful summer
weather, but you’ll also have plenty of room on a patio, in an activity room,
or even in your own living room. The best thing about square dancing is that a
caller tells you what to do and when to do it, so learning the steps is easy
for anyone. Here are a series of square dancing video tutorials that teach you all the
beginner moves. Cowboy boots are optional.
#3 – Latin dancing
Latin dancing is often
included in ballroom dancing, but we think it deserves its own spot. While the
foxtrot and waltz are very elegant and refined, Latin dances like the cha-cha,
jive, paso doble, salsa, rumba and samba are all about expressing yourself through
the rhythm. Fun, joyful and perfect for the summer, these dances are easy to
learn and the perfect way to reignite your spirit! Here’s a quick video
tutorial for beginner’s
salsa.
#4 – Zumba
Zumba is for seniors
who have a good level of fitness and love to get their cardio exercise in with
as much energy as possible. Rather than running on a treadmill, spinning or
swimming, Zumba helps you work up a sweat through dancing. There are lots of different
classes, so be sure to pick one that features the music you like and a pace
that works for your fitness level. You can also give Zumba a try at home. There
are many instructors who offer classes virtually, as well as some great
prerecorded video classes on YouTube.
#5 – Jazzercise
Did you know that
jazzercise has been going strong since 1969? It’s now a worldwide exercise
trend, with classes for different levels of ability. Like Zumba and other dance
classes, jazzercise is all about having a bit of a party while you work out. It
combines moves from yoga, hip hop, pilates and even kickboxing for a
high-intensity workout that keeps muscles fit, bodies flexible, and faces
smiling. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to look for classes that
are specifically for seniors or are labeled low-impact or low-intensity. This
will give you a chance to explore this fun fitness movement without putting
yourself at risk for injury.
At Bristol Glen, we’re
all about independent
senior living, and that includes staying fit and having fun. We know that
senior dancing improves health at our Newton CCRC, and we have a schedule full
of events and classes designed to keep you fit, stress-free, and enjoying life.
All classes are planned with a close eye on hygiene and safety in accordance
with CDC guidelines, so please contact us to get the most up-to-date schedule
for senior dance classes in NJ.
If you’d like to find
out more about Bristol Glen and the other senior living experiences and
amenities we offer, please visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/
