As I finished spreading the remnants of three yards of mulch on a glorious May day, I thought: "I'd really rather be dancing."
"Be patient," I replied inwardly. "The next Zumba session starts at the senior center on Tuesday."
And what fun we have in that Zumba Gold class. Twice a week, approximately 40 women and 3 men twist and turn to the music with so much enthusiasm that we give little thought to the increased flexibility, strength, and muscle endurance we are building. Not to mention the increased bone mass, improved cardiovascular health, and sense of well-being.
In fact, 3-1/2 years after my breast cancer diagnosis, two surgeries, and course of radiation, I have never felt better. With no restrictions on my physical activity, I have energy to spare. My blood pressure is under control. My weight is normal for my age. And with steady balance, I put my shoes on while standing (albeit with the support of a bureau or wall). Best of all, after an absence of more than 60 years, I have brought back the joy of movement through dance. Zumba, I have found, is a most enjoyable way to exercise.
Others have discovered its appeal as well. USA Today reports that Zumba has become one of the top 10 fitness activities. More than 12 million people in 125 countries are breaking a sweat to the merengue, salsa, flamenco, tango, and cumbia. My classes on Tuesday and Thursday also include some cha-cha, with the twist and a little belly dancing thrown in for spice. The slightly different dancing styles of our two instructors keep us on our toes.
Because Zumba, like all dance, combines art with athleticism, I consider Zumba dancing a sport. As in any sport, proper equipment helps prevent injury, so I have carefully selected my footwear. My choice: aerobic dance sneakers that provide support, stability, cushioning, and traction. Dancing next to me in class is an 83-year-old lady. She is an inspiration to us all. Promptly at the end of class, she rushes off with her friend to drive to a community 16 miles away where she attends a line dancing class.
Researchers are finding that in addition to physical benefits, staying active can promote cognitive health. Writing in Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2008), Hillman, Erickson, and Kramer say: "An emerging body of multidisciplinary literature has documented the beneficial influence of physical activity engendered through aerobic exercise on selective aspects of brain function. Human and non-human animal studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve a number of aspects of cognition and performance."
Cotman and Berchtold say in Trends in Neurosciences (2002): "Exercise could provide a simple means to maintain brain function and promote brain plasticity."
Research, in fact, shows that exercise can help prevent dementia. In 2003, a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the leisure-time and physical activities of 469 subjects older than 75 who were living in community. Researchers found that reading, playing board games, and playing musical instruments helped reduce dementia and that of all the physical activities studied, the one most clearly associated with reduced dementia was dancing.
The four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) have set forth physical activity guidelines for different age groups. For those 65 and over, they recommend 2-1/2 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week, with some kind of physical activity each day. My Zumba sessions last 45 minutes. On non-class days, I try to meet the guidelines by getting in 30 minutes of brisk walking or dancing to my own mix tape. My favorite upbeat tunes, I find, keep me moving with a smile on my face.
Smiles, and a little surprise, might be what we see on the faces of spectators at our community's July Fourth celebration. My Zumba class is planning a flash mob performance in the town square. Stay tuned.
With the benefit of only common sense and a lifetime of observation, my father used to say, "If you rest, you rust." I am delighted that my children are encouraging their own youngsters to get active, with t-ball, softball, soccer, karate, hip-hop, and competitive dance. Good habits start young, but we can all be taught new tricks. So, for physical and cognitive health and for fun, I say: "Let's dance."
Sally Ann Connolly, a retired school counselor and author of three books, puts a spotlight on health, education, and lifestyle issues. Her website is www.neverbetter.net.