It takes two to tango, and that may be all you need to live a longer life! Tango is one of the most beautiful and captivating dances, and it benefits our health in more ways than one.
Although it has evolved into several different forms, influencing areas of socioeconomics, performance sports, and physical expression, one thing remains the same: tango is a highly transformative art form, for both our physical and emotional well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at how dancing keeps you young (and on your toes!) while promoting a longer life:
Can You Dance Your Way into a Longer Life?
If you’re looking for a sign to start dancing or take the leap to learn to tango, then here it is.
Tango is not just a dance, it’s a language of the soul. It inspires a rich depth of emotions, telling stories of passion, sadness, and joy —all without needing a single spoken or written word. Dance is a form of artistic communication, through movement, that transcends the barriers of culture and linguistics. It brings people together from all walks of life and offers tangible health benefits that, perhaps, help you dance your way into a longer life.
A Whole Body Workout: Tango is Your Movement Medicine
Tango offers a unique approach to full-body conditioning. Unlike your typical workout or physical therapy session, targeting specific muscle groups, tango engages your whole body. Through dancing, you’re combining elements of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, all within a fun and active hobby.
As a form of movement medicine, tango encourages gentle, controlled, and rhythmic motion that can help alleviate pain and manage chronic conditions like arthritis. It has also been linked to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, while offering multifaceted benefits to Parkinson’s patients, stimulating cognitive functions.
The dynamic nature of the tango helps with many areas of our physical health, but it takes more than a good workout to stay healthy and live longer.
The Healing Aspects of Tango
The benefits of dancing, however, go beyond a good workout. Three other layers of tango dancing make it truly impactful to our health and longevity, which are:
- Social connection - Tango is a social dance that relies heavily on partnership, fostering strong social ties that contribute to a longer, happier life.
- Emotional health - The deep emotional connection stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, resulting in improved overall mental health and less stress.
- Mental acuity - Learning and performing tango routines require focus, memory, and quick thinking, keeping the brain engaged and active.
If this isn’t enough to convince you to start dancing as a hobby, it also improves:
- Self-confidence
- Stamina
- Posture
- Patience
- Happiness
- Flexibility
- Balance
Embracing a Lifestyle of Movement
While no single activity can guarantee a longer lifespan, a combination of healthy habits and a lifestyle centered around movement can positively impact our health. Tango adds an expressive, enjoyable dimension to physical activity, encouraging adherence to a physically active lifestyle.
With a foundation rooted in movement, you’ll stay younger for longer, age gracefully, and be better equipped to maintain your joint health and mobility. And when you combine the therapeutic benefits of physical therapy and tango, you create a powerful duo for cultivating a life of health and longevity.
If you’re looking to start on your journey to a longer, healthier life, contact the movement experts at Luna and find a PT near you.
