Not everyone enjoys exercising. Many people find gyms uncomfortably masculine, and extra sweat, bad odors, and hygiene issues are also reasons people cite for not using them. Running and other outdoor activities are always an option, but there are also very valid safety concerns: harassment from motorists, poor lighting, bad roads, and the high levels of noise and air pollution in our cities. Yoga has grown enormously in popularity, but a good number of people find it too slow for their liking.

But despite these obstacles, what remains true is that one needs to exercise, and people today know this all too well, thanks to increased awareness and a relentless marketing campaign by wellness brands that focus on health and wellness. Fortunately, then, for people who don’t like running, yoga, or gyms, one of the most fun and enjoyable options is dancing.

“Dance is an incredibly fun activity that stands out from other fitness formats. When we combine simple but attractive movements with great music, the experience becomes not only entertaining but also immensely rewarding in terms of health benefits,” says Shwetambari Shetty, fitness expert at Cult.fit. Given the sharp rise in obesity in India, dancing as a form of exercise could be very helpful in losing weight.

After all, it is a very effective aerobic activity that improves our cardiovascular fitness, says Pooja Sharma, a dancer and choreographer from Bangalore who is training for a personal trainer certification. “Dancing also benefits us in many ways depending on the intensity and style of the dance,” she adds.

While dancing can be great exercise, some dance forms are more popular than others. In India, Bollywood, salsa and zumba, as well as belly dancing, are becoming more and more popular. Shetty and Sharma believe that the benefits of dancing go beyond improving overall health.

“Dancing improves balance and coordination, enhancing physical control and agility. It is also a proven mood enhancer, offering relief to those suffering from anxiety and depression. Additionally, dancing promotes better mobility and flexibility, allowing for greater freedom of movement,” says Shetty.

One of the biggest advantages of using dance as a physical activity is the freedom and flexibility it offers. And no matter the age, everyone can dance. “I keep telling people that ‘age is not an issue’ when they say, ‘I’m too old for this.’ Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, dancing is for everyone,” says Sharma.

If you intend to make dancing your main physical activity, it’s important to add variety for the best results, advises Sharma, who highly recommends belly dancing. “Not only does it help you focus on strengthening your core muscles, but it also boosts your confidence and gets you in touch with your feminine energy,” she says.

Shetty says that dance workouts should be supplemented with strength training, just like runners, cyclists and swimmers do, along with their main workout. “Strength training is crucial to building the muscular foundation needed to excel and enjoy dancing for years to come. To ensure that your body can withstand and withstand the demands of dance over time, it is essential to focus on building and strengthening your muscles through weight or resistance training. It allows us to perform dance moves efficiently and also reduces the risk of injury,” says Shetty.

Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and co-author of The Shivfit Waya book on functional fitness.