Postmenopausal women often struggle with managing their cholesterol, but a new study says that dancing may be the key to keeping it under control. The research published in Menopause suggests that dancing may not only lower cholesterol levels, but it could also improve fitness and body composition.
After menopause, women are more likely to gain weight and experience metabolic disturbances, such as increases in triglycerides and bad cholesterol. These changes, when combined, can ultimately increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
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During this phase of life, women are generally less active. This could result in a reduction of lean mass and an increased risk of falls and fractures. As a result of all of these changes, postmenopausal women often suffer from low self-esteem and decreased self-image, which is directly related to overall mental health.
This study set out to show how dancing could minimize some health problems that are commonly associated with menopause. Physical activity has been previously found to reduce the risk of health concerns during this phase of life.
Researchers analyzed the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-esteem in postmenopausal women. They found that a three-times-weekly dance regimen improved the lipid profile and functional fitness of postmenopausal women and self-image and self-esteem.
Although not seen as a common lifestyle behavior that could affect health, this study aims to change this. Dance therapy can be an attractive option for many women because it is a pleasant activity with low associated costs and a low risk of injury.
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Dance has previously been linked to improvement in balance, postural control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance. These benefits all may contribute to a women’s ability to maintain an independent, high-quality lifestyle later in life.
“This study highlights the feasibility of a simple intervention, such as a dance class three times weekly, for improving not only fitness and metabolic profile but also self-image and self-esteem in postmenopausal women. In addition to these benefits, women also probably enjoyed a sense of comradery from the shared experience of learning something new,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.
For postmenopausal women who don’t enjoy traditional exercise, dance is a great way to reduce cardiovascular risk. It has both physical and mental health benefits, and it’s easy for most women to get started with a local dance group.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
