You probably already know all about the power of exercise to boost your health and your sprits, especially during these cold winter months. Research suggests that exercise of many types con-tributes to your cardiovascular health, bone and muscle strength, balance and flexibility — all needed to keep the snow shovel swinging. Exercise also lifts your spirits by releasing endorphins, the feel good chemicals in your brain.

Luckily, there are many ways to stay in motion over the winter. The Cape Ann area offers beau-tiful outdoor walks, local gyms, yoga and pilates studios and more…including DANCE! Dancing delivers on these mind and body benefits quickly with the help of music that com-pels us to get up and get it going. In addition to the physiological benefits, numerous studies have found a connection between dancing and brain health.*

The Cape Ann YMCA northshoreymca.org offers Zumba and many other choices. You can also find a range of movement classes at MAGMA magma.center including Cardio Hip Hop, Capoeira, Modern, Barre and more. This beautiful studio overlooks the harbor and is conveniently located in downtown Gloucester at 11 Pleasant St.

Oh and if your car won’t start, don’t worry, be happy and dance at home! There are hundreds of upbeat dance tutorials on YouTube. This 15-minute video from GROOV3 is filled with simple moves you will master in no time https://youtu.be/-DViA35E4qs.

Or check out these three euphoric guys from The Fitness Marshall https://youtu.be/M5ffOxDIcwc. This short video will convince you — dancing is for everyone, including people who say they don’t dance.

Nancy R. Steele
STEELE DANCE
Cape Ann Chamber member since 2018
* References: http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/andbrain-series/dancing-and-brain