Dancing promotes better health in postmenopausal women, study finds

Postmenopausal women often find it difficult to maintain a steady weight and healthy cholesterol level. A new study published in the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), found that dancing can help postmenopausal women lower cholesterol levels and improve their overall fitness and self-esteem.

After menopause, women are more likely to experience weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Together, these changes may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers evaluated a total of 36 postmenopausal participants for 16 weeks, who danced three times per week for 90 minutes each day. While the sample size of the study was small, it suggested some amazing benefits of a three-times-weekly dance regimen in improving the lipid profile, the functional fitness of postmenopausal women and their self-image and sense of self-esteem.

Dancing is particularly attractive for older women because it is inexpensive, coupled with a low risk of injury. It also helps improve balance, overall strength, gait, postural control and overall physical performance.