Why Dance Fitness Is Deemed #1 For Brain Health

My Dad, Joe Carrico, with his six spunky sisters, Circa 1942.

My Dad and aunts were healthy, smart, funny, and accomplished people. Unfortunately, five out of seven of them, including my father, developed a form of dementia later in life. While I’d like to say this unlucky genetic detail is unique to our family tree, it’s not. Studies show that 1 out of 5 women and 1 out of 10 men will incur a form of dementia (Sorry, ladies!). The good news is, that the more we know about prevention, the better. As a fellow Mojo friend, I have great news for you. Research is decisive, dance fitness is one of the best activities we can do for brain health! Read on to learn why.

Head in the sand? We work out to get physically fit, because we want to have a slimmer silhouette and live a healthy vibrant life. But without brain health, it’s not the full package. Our brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised frequently and consistently for us to enjoy long term. Ignoring it, is a bit, well… absent-minded.

As a fan of destiny-based energy, I am very “moved” (pun intended) that Mojo’s cardio-laced, split-second, decision-making, pattern-based regimen is at the very top of neurologists’ lists when it comes to increasing brain agility and preventing dementia.

What Is Dementia?
Dementia is the general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily activities. It affects millions worldwide, and the numbers are rising. While there’s no cure yet, research shows that keeping our brain active can significantly reduce our risk. Incorporating dance into your lifestyle, often, has been deemed an effective way to do it.

Why is Dance So Much More Effective Than Other Forms Of Exercise?
Imagine your brain as a muscle. Like any muscle, it needs a variety of challenges to grow and strengthen.

The Steady State Exercise Brain
Think of someone who primarily uses an elliptical, spins or walks for exercise. This is like doing bicep curls with the same weight, rep after rep. While it’s good for general fitness, it doesn’t significantly challenge the muscle to grow and adapt. Similarly, the brain, while engaged in the rhythmic motions of walking or elliptical use, it isn’t pushed to its limits in terms of cognitive function.

Mojo’s HIIT Dance Workout Vs. Steady State Workout
Now, doing a Mojo dance fitness workout is like playing chess vs. watching TV

Repetitive walking: Similar to passively watching TV, it doesn’t engage higher cognitive functions.
HIIT dance: Comparable to playing chess, it demands strategic thinking, anticipation, and rapid response.

In the same way, HIIT dance workouts challenge the brain in multiple ways. They demand:

• Split-second decisions: Quickly choosing the right move based on the music and choreography.
• Pattern recognition: Identifying recurring musical or movement patterns helps anticipate the next step.
• Spatial awareness: Understanding where your body is in relation to others on the dance floor.
• Memory: Remembering complex routines and sequences.

These cognitive demands are like a weightlifting routine for the brain, forcing it to adapt and grow stronger. Over time, this mental workout can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function.

Other Cognitive advantages to a HIIT dance workout:

• Increased Blood Flow
• Vascular benefits: High-intensity exercise increases heart rate, boosting blood circulation.
• Brain nourishment: Enhanced blood flow delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to the brain, feeding its cells and improving overall function.

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity

• New brain cells: Regular physical activity stimulates the birth of new brain cells (neurogenesis) in areas crucial for memory and learning.
• Brain rewiring: HIIT dance challenges our brain, encouraging it to form new connections between neurons (neuroplasticity). This adaptability is vital for cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
• Reduced Inflammation

Reduced Inflammation

• Inflammation fighter: Chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline. Exercise, including HIIT dance, helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Brain protection: Lower inflammation levels protect brain cells from damage, preserving cognitive function.
  Improved Mood and Stress Reduction

Improved Mood and Stress Reduction

• Mood booster: Physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood elevators, which can combat depression and anxiety.
• Stress relief: Regular exercise helps manage stress, a known contributor to cognitive decline.
• Clearer thinking: A calmer mind is better equipped to focus, learn, and remember.

To Preventing ALZ Here’s What You Can Do:
• Prevent and manage high blood pressure. …
• Manage blood sugar. …
• Maintain a healthy weight. …
• Be physically active. …
• Quit smoking. …
• Avoid excessive drinking. …
• Prevent and correct hearing loss. …
• Get enough sleep…

To protect cognitive function, diet is high on the list (no surprise!)
The MIND diet is designed to reduce the risk of dementia and loss of brain function as we age.

For so many reasons,

Jam it OUT with us this week!