Dancing With Arthritis

Kathryn Gordon

As you age, your body changes, and what you can do with your body changes as well. Many individuals wrongly believe that they have to give up dancing when they start to develop arthritis. However, just because you have arthritis and your body is not moving as fast as it used to doesn't mean you have to give up dancing.

Special Considerations When Dancing With Arthritis

Having arthritis does not mean you need to just sit around the house and limit all physical activity.

Rather, you just need to be more aware of your body when doing physical activities and be aware of your limitations. If you feel like you are doing too much, listen to your body and slow down. It is important to pay attention to the cues your body gives you.

Staying physically active, even when you have been diagnosed with arthritis, is good for your health. Staying active can help you increase the mobility in your joints and decrease the overall pain that you feel. Dancing can actually even help relieve tension in your body as well. Your body is designed to move.

Dance Classes For Someone With Arthritis

Before you start a class, you may want to let your instructor know about any physical limitations you have. This will allow your instructor to be mindful of the moves they are teaching you, and they will be able to provide you with accommodations as well.

Try to find classes that are aimed towards older individuals or individuals with health concerns. These classes often go at a slower pace while still allowing you to enjoy dancing. 

  • Ballet: You could take a ballet class designed for adults or seniors. These types of classes are made to go at a pace that is appropriate for adults new to the ballet. 
  • Zumba: Zumba incorporates both dance and aerobic moves to Latin music. Zumba gold classes are specifically designed to accommodate individuals with joint pain. They are taught at a slow pace and the moves are modified in order to allow individuals with joint pain and other physical limitations to participate. 
  • Belly Dancing: Belly dancing can be great for individuals with arthritis because it is generally slower paced and involves very smooth, fluid motions that will not aggravate your arthritis. 

These classes are generally held at dance studios or athletic clubs. Classes aimed towards individuals with arthritis and seniors are generally offered in the morning during the week. 

Making The Most Of Your Dance Class

In order to get the most out of your dance class, you need to stretch out before and after your dance class. This will make it easier for you to move and participate in class and will reduce your joint pain after class. If you're not sure how to stretch, you can ask your dance instructor or doctor for suggestions. 

If you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis, that does not mean you have to stop being active. Staying active and taking dance classes can actually be beneficial. Ballet and dance classes will help engage both your mind and body, relieve your pain and increase your balance and coordination. 

For more information, contact a business such as The Academy Of Dance Arts.


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