Exercise for some people is not fun, especially for type 2 diabetes patients who need to exercise to control their sugar levels. Finding a form of exercise that is enjoyable like dancing not only helps in physical rehabilitation, but also promotes physical, mental, social health, and life for type 2 diabetes patients, who do not depend on insulin. Emphasis on diet control and regular exercise is crucial.
“Finding a form of exercise like dancing that increases enjoyment not only helps with physical rehabilitation but also promotes good physical, mental, life, and social health for type 2 diabetes patients.”
Types of Ballroom Dances
Currently, ballroom dancing is a widely popular form of exercise that is used for rehabilitation, restoration, and health promotion in some diseases, including diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes patients who do not depend on insulin but focus on diet control and regular exercise. What’s interesting about ballroom dancing is not only the fast rhythms but also slow ones, divided into 2 types:
1) Ballroom style has a relatively slow rhythm, adjustable according to proficiency. Allows for continuous slow dancing for an extended period, facilitating sugar and fat burning through moderate exercise. It is greatly suitable for people with type 2 diabetes, such as waltz, slow foxtrot, etc.
2) Latin American style has a relatively fast rhythm, showcasing bodily strength. Suitable for those who like rapid movements, e.g., Cha-Cha, Jive, etc.
Benefits of Ballroom Dancing
Exercising with ballroom dancing is full of benefits for the body, including:
- Helps burn sugar and fat
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases good cholesterol (HDL), decreases bad cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides
- Lose weight, elegant body posture
- Strengthens muscles
- Improves heart and blood vessels’ function
- Reduces the risk of falling
- Avoids depression, builds good family relationships
- Meeting new friends, enlarging social circle
“Keep some sweets or sugary drinks nearby in case of a sugar drop while dancing.”
Starting Ballroom Dancing
Starting to dance is not difficult. Just consult with an expert about the rhythm and style that suits your body. Then, prepare your outfit, wear your favorite sneakers, and you can immediately start dancing. It’s advised to consistently practice with an expert initially until you become accustomed. Afterward, you can dance at home and teach your family members. For many concerned about their weight, research published in the journal Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome shows that exercising for those nearly 100 kilograms who lost weight found that body weight is not a significant barrier at all. Therefore, feel comfortable and get up to dance without worry.
“Regardless of whether you have a strong body or chronic diseases, regular exercise is the heart of health care that helps maintain robust health, fit and firm at any age.”
Those interested in promoting health through dancing can discuss with Mr. Narat Panyasakorn, a physical therapist with a Class C athlete degree in dancing, at the Bangkok Institute of Sports Medicine and Exercise, Bangkok Hospital, Tel. 0 2310 3989
“Interested in enhancing health through dancing, consult with the Bangkok Institute of Sports Medicine and Exercise (BASEM), Bangkok Hospital.”
Information: Mr. Athipol Methathip and Mr. Narat Panyasakorn, physical therapists and sports medicine specialists at the Bangkok Institute of Sports Medicine and Exercise, Bangkok Hospital
