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The Powerful Impact of Dance Fitness & Functional Training to Combat Insulin Resistance and Diabetes in Older Adults

Writer's picture: joloveszumbajoloveszumba

Insulin resistance is becoming a serious health issue for many older adults. As we age, our bodies may struggle to process insulin effectively, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, a combination of resistance training, aerobic exercise, and engaging fitness programs like Zumba, Zumba Gold, and BollyX can help combat this health challenge.


In this blog post, I highlight how these exercises can lower insulin resistance and improve health in older adults. I explore the benefits of dance fitness and functional training in managing blood glucose levels, enhancing overall wellness, and preventing disease. Let’s discover the positive effects of staying active as we age.



Understanding Insulin Resistance


Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When our cells become resistant to insulin, the pancreas has to produce more to keep blood sugar levels stable. Unfortunately, this can lead to several health issues.


Older adults are particularly vulnerable to insulin resistance due to factors like decreased muscle mass, hormonal shifts, and sedentary lifestyles. The good news is that regular exercise can effectively enhance insulin sensitivity.

Insulin kit for diabetes
90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2, being physically active helps insulin work better in your body

For instance, a study showed that older adults engaging in moderate exercise can improve their insulin sensitivity by up to 60%. This is significant in maintaining healthier blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.


The Role of Resistance Training


Resistance training, including lifting free weights and using resistance bands, plays a vital role in building muscle and improving metabolic health, which are essential for better insulin sensitivity. I'm not talking about becoming a body builder or looking too masculine. More about maintaining the existing muscle and increasing it where necessary or desirable.


Research indicates that older adults participating in resistance training can see improvements in muscle strength and coordination. This training also stimulates the release of hormones that are crucial for glucose regulation.


Benefits of Resistance Training:


  • Increased Muscle Mass: A rise in muscle mass can boost your metabolic rate and enhance glucose uptake, ultimately promoting better control of blood sugar levels.


  • Enhanced Bone Density: Strength training combats age-related bone loss. It can help reduce the risk of fractures by up to 30% in older adults. More often seen in women.


By adding resistance training to a weekly routine, older adults can achieve substantial health benefits.


Jo with dumb bells for functional fitness classes
Working with light weights and resistance bands to maintain and build muscle.

The Importance of Aerobic Exercise


Aerobic exercise—activities like dance fitness classes, walking, running, cycling, or swimming—has significant importance for heart health. It primarily improves lung and heart function, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.


Engaging in aerobic activities can also enhance insulin sensitivity by improving the uptake of glucose into cells. For older adults, weight management is crucial as excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can contribute to insulin resistance.


Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:


  • Development of Cardiovascular Health: Regular aerobic exercise like Zumba, Zumba Gold and Bolly X can lower the risk of heart disease by improving overall endurance and lowering blood pressure.


  • Weight Management: It also helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.

    Also aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and boost mood, enhancing overall mental health as we age.


Combining both aerobic and resistance training creates a comprehensive fitness program that can lead to optimal health outcomes for older adults. I cannot stress how important it is if you want to live an independent and fully engaged lifestyle.


Dance fitness class
Zumba, Zumba Gold & BollyX are all excellent for combing anaerobic and aerobic exercises.

Dance Fitness: An Engaging Approach


Dance fitness programs like Zumba, Zumba Gold, and BollyX combine aerobic and anaerobic exercise in a fun way. These classes not only get hearts racing but also involve movements that build strength and flexibility.


Zumba and Zumba Gold


Zumba is adaptable to all fitness levels, and Zumba Gold is specifically designed for older adults and beginners. Zumba offers a variety of dance styles, creating an enjoyable environment.


  • Encouragement of Movement: The diverse rhythms are designed to keep you engaged, helping to improve cardiovascular health and metabolism.


  • Social Interaction: Group classes foster social engagement, which positively affects mental health and motivation. This we know to be true.... just look how many people you have met through coming to classes with me.


BollyX Dance Fitness


Inspired by Bollywood music, BollyX provides an exciting way to get active while also celebrating cultural diversity.


  • Cultural Engagement: BollyX combines fun and fitness, making exercise enjoyable and culturally enriching. Hear new sounds from India and the subcontinent, bringing joyous rhythms for an energising and invigorating class.


  • Improvement in Coordination: The different dance moves enhance coordination and balance, which are vital for fall prevention.


Including dance fitness in a regular routine can help older adults feel more connected and motivated to stay active.


BollyX with Jo
BollyX is a Bollywood inspired dance fitness programme

Functional Fitness Classes: Supporting Daily Activities


Functional fitness focuses on exercises that mimic daily tasks. These classes combine strength training with flexibility and balance exercises, which are crucial for maintaining independence in older adults.


Benefits of Functional Fitness:


  • Increased Strength: Functional fitness improves the strength needed for everyday activities, like lifting groceries or climbing stairs.


  • Enhanced Balance and Coordination: These exercises help lower the risk of falls, which are a major concern for older adults.


By combining functional fitness with dance and aerobic routines, individuals can create a well-rounded exercise program that supports various health needs.


Older ladies with dumbbells in functional fitness class
Functional fitness classes are small groups of ladies - specifically designed routines for over 50+

Addressing Other Diseases and Conditions


Regular exercise has many benefits beyond reducing insulin resistance. It can help manage and lower the risk of several chronic conditions, including:


  • Heart Disease: Consistent physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves cholesterol levels.


  • Osteoporosis: Resistance training enhances bone density, reducing the risk of fractures associated with this condition.


  • Arthritis: Low-impact exercises like dance can increase joint mobility and alleviate pain.


  • Depression and Anxiety: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, enhancing mood and reducing anxiety levels.


A regular fitness regimen can significantly enhance overall health, quality of life, and emotional well-being.


Creating an Exercise Routine


To effectively combat insulin resistance and promote overall vitality, older adults should develop a balanced exercise plan. Here’s how to get started:


  1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Discussing fitness plans with a healthcare provider is a sensible first step, especially for those with existing health conditions.


  2. Incorporate Variety: A mix of resistance, aerobic, dance fitness, and functional exercises will keep routines engaging and comprehensive.


  3. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable targets—for example, attending a certain number of classes each week or gradually increasing weights or reps.


  4. Stay Consistent: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.


  5. Monitor Progress: If you can keep a log of what you are achieving over the next few weeks and months you will be able to see just how much progress you are making. Those goals crushed! A sense of achievement and the consequence of that is MOTIVATION!


  6. Please feel free to discuss any or all of the above with me, I can help you set goals, stay on track, and shout from the corner to give your the support you might feel you need.


Enhancing Quality of Life Through Fitness


Combating insulin resistance and improving health in older adults is vital for maintaining overall quality of life. Engaging in resistance training, aerobic exercise, and enjoyable dance fitness classes like Zumba Zumba Gold and BollyX can lead to meaningful health improvements.


Adding functional fitness workouts ensures that you can remain capable of performing daily tasks with comfort and confidence. Transitioning to an active lifestyle may present its challenges, but the right mindset and approach can foster better insulin sensitivity and overall health.

Plus...... you will make some new friends along the way who are also on the same journey.


Encouraging movement through diverse fitness routines yields lasting benefits, helping you lower blood sugar levels while fostering a lively, active lifestyle that leads to happier and healthier years. In today’s world, where technology often promotes inactivity, older adults must embrace a comprehensive fitness approach. By blending dance fitness with functional training, we can combat insulin resistance and approach aging with energy and resilience.


It's Up to YOU!

I have provided the venues, the classes, the music, the equipment........ now the rest is up to YOU! Want to live an independent, healthy and fitter lifestyle? Just a click of a button will book you a session, then all you need to do is lace up your trainers, turn off the TV and come and join the FUN.

Live your best life!





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Where to find us &
Parking information

ZUMBA GOLD & ZUMBA 

Live classes at

The Shoreham Centre

2 Pond Road

Shoreham-by-Sea

BN43 5WU

​

PARKING: There is a large public pay & display at the rear of the Centre. There is also a number of parking bays immediately in front of the building which are free to park in for up to one hour.

​

BY BUS: Brighton and Hove Bus Company Route 2 and Stagecoach 700 both stop at Shoreham High Street. From here it is only a 2 minute walk.

Paticipants in a class
worthing zumba gold class
participants in a class

BOLLYX 

at St Richards Community Centre, 

Egmont Road

Hove

BN3 7FP

​

PARKING: Free on road parking

​

BY BUS: Number 2 bus goes along Old Shoreham Road

5 min walk from bus stop

ZUMBA GOLD 

at The Heene Community Centre

Heene Road

Worthing 

BN11 4PL

​

PARKING: Free car park on site

ZUMBA GOLD 

at Kings Weald Community Centre

124 Wyvern Way

Burgess Hill

RH15 0XY

​

PARKING: Free car park on site

ZUMBA GOLD 

at Henfield Hall

Coopers Way
Henfield,

BN5 9EQ

​

 

PARKING: Paying car park or free on street parking nearby.

​

BY BUS: 17 from Brighton or Horsham

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Contact

07711 243241
joloveszumba@yahoo.com

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