While some prefer the solitude of a lap pool or forest hike, there含羞草研究社檚 a lot to be said for the combination of music and movement in the quest for mental and physical wellness.

Add the company of new friends with a shared interest, and you have the makings of a fitness program you含羞草研究社檒l want to stick with.

Not that square dancing is all about fitness, but that is a happy byproduct of this popular activity that含羞草研究社檚 kept dancers do-si-doing for 60 years.

And if you含羞草研究社檙e trying to reach Health Canada含羞草研究社檚 recommended 150 minutes of accumulated moderate to vigorous aerobic activity weekly to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of chronic disease, a or two would get you well on your way.

1. Limber up. After dancing for years as a youngster, Mary Potter returned to square dancing as a way to keep moving through winter. Twisting and turning across the floor, she soon found herself more limber and moving easier in her daily life too.

2. Step lively! Counting steps as a part of your fitness routine? During a recent square dancing event, club president Lynda Bjalek counted a whopping 40,000 steps danced. Put another way, two hours of square dancing equals five miles walked. Additional benefits include increased lung capacity, improved balance and flexibility 含羞草研究社� invaluable at all ages.

3. Make it musical. There含羞草研究社檚 a reason people plug in a workout playlist before a run 含羞草研究社� music motivates. With a repertoire ranging from Lady Gaga to Broadway showstoppers, and 26-year-old musician Dustin McGifford as the group含羞草研究社檚 caller, your call to action is as close as the next dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my8Ckx0bGG4

4. Mental fitness. The Alzheimer Society of Canada notes that in addition to reducing risk of developing heart disease, stroke and diabetes 含羞草研究社� all associated with increased risk of dementia 含羞草研究社� physical activity also pumps blood, nutrients and oxygen to the brain, helps reduce stress and improves mood. And while movement gets muscles and joints moving, learning new steps and listening to the caller含羞草研究社檚 instructions also limbers up the brain, Mary notes.

5. Get social. Social isolation is another risk factor for both mental and physical health concerns, and there含羞草研究社檚 no more social activity for singles or couples than square dancing. 含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 a team sport 含羞草研究社� you have seven other people in your square you含羞草研究社檙e working with.含羞草研究社�

Learn more about Westsyde Squares at a Sept. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Westbank United Church Hall. Learn more at .