Dancing is a fun way to let loose and let the music take over. No matter how old you are, anyone can dance whenever they want, wherever they want. But apart from being enjoyable, it also has loads of health benefits that are good for the body and the mind. Dancing more often than you do can help you lose those extra pounds and get a toned figure. It can also work to sharpen the mind and treat mental health issues like depression and stress. There are many forms of dance like ballroom to salsa you can try. Or you can just freestyle and dance away at home to reap the rewards. Whatever your preference, here are a few reasons it's time to get your dancing shoes on and hit the floor.

You are sure to get in a good cardio workout no matter what style of dance you choose to try. This helps to improve your heart health and could even reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines, you should opt for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Dancing in the comfort of your home can help you meet those requirements in order to maintain your health.

One of the great benefits of dancing is that it gets the entire body moving. "Movements that we typically do in our daily life, like walking, taking the stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane, but dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which turns on and conditions all muscles, meaning no muscle is left behind," Professional dancer Jonathan Tylicki, the director of education for AKT, a boutique fitness concept, told a news portal. This is the reason even simple types of dance can help improve your balance and increase your strength.

Multiple studies have found that dancing can improve brain function in various ways. For one, it can improve memory and improve skills like planning and organizing. This is because dance helps to improve areas of the brain that are in control of these functions, according to researchers. One study found salsa can significantly boost brain function. "We’ve seen improvements in these areas in standard exercise, such as running and cycling, but the dance element of this showed us something a bit different," Professor Mike Duncan, of Coventry University's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, told a news portal.

Engaging with other people can help boost your mood and improve your mental health. Whether you take a belly dancing class or salsa class, dancing with other people can be very good for your emotional health. This will inevitably help improve your mood. "Movement and dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and let loose,” Professional dancer Jonathan Tylicki told a news portal. This form of physical activity can help treat depression and give your self-esteem a boost.