Hot stuff! 105 degrees outside, 70 on the dance floor. The Thursday level 1 class has learned four dances and about 30 skills in the first three weeks of the summer. See the fun and friends on the dance floor at DesertView Fitness.
Dr. Mark Magdanz
Among the biggest activities you can do to prevent brain decline is to get out of your house and play more with others. We want to maintain old connections as well as grow new ones. What’s the fastest way to improve brain function? We are fortunate that SaddleBrooke Ranch offers many choices for exercise, all good in their own way. Brains improve fastest when presented with challenges within exercise. Dance is a top ticket to improving your brain health, your fun factors and getting out to enjoy the community.
One good exercise for your brain is line dancing. Here is dancer Jackie’s story. “A little over four years ago, I was working ten-hour days, sitting at a desk and stressed out. When we decided to retire earlier than planned, I did so with the intent to get healthier. I was very overweight, and being told I needed to be put on numerous drugs to help my heart, cholesterol, etc. I became determined to find something to teach me how to be healthy again. I found it within line dancing. Who knew that dancing could provide me with a great cardio workout and fun? Not me! I was skeptical at first until the weight started coming off, and I had more energy and an overall sense of accomplishment! After recently meeting with my doctor, I found out I am healthier now than when I was in my twenties! A huge thank you to Mark and Rebecca for helping me to reach my goals! I’m a line dancer for life!”
It turns out that dancing in its many forms is among the healthiest activities one can participate in. Partners and line dancing is a group activity of laughing, learning and perfecting movements together on a floor. Dancing provides aerobic activity, learning, balance, coordination, social interaction and fun. Also, lots of laughter is proven to boost mood and the immune system. Since music is a component of dance, take note that music therapy has evolved into wide use for memory care.
The fall lesson series will begin in about four to five weeks so sign up now to enjoy the change of season and improving your health. Beginner classes will be enjoyed on Monday and Thursday, while the more advanced group dances on Monday and/or Tuesday. Please note that the level 2 intermediate class is substantially more vigorous and the dances are more complex, so plan to be in the beginner group for at least one series unless you are experienced and quite fit. Rebecca takes pride in professionally modifying dance components to compensate for physical limitations, safety and your comfort. Most of all, she loves assisting dancers developing skills.
We are now accepting registrations for the fall and winter classes, so now is the time to place your name on the class list of your choice. Contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or 520-818-2656. Rebecca is a full-time SaddleBrooke resident and has taught fellow residents for more than 11 years. She teaches classes about 42 weeks each year.