While some prefer the solitude of a lap pool or forest hike, there91裸聊视频檚 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 you91裸聊视频檒l want to stick with.

Not that square dancing is all about fitness, but that is a happy byproduct of this popular activity that91裸聊视频檚 kept dancers do-si-doing for 60 years.

And if you91裸聊视频檙e trying to reach Health Canada91裸聊视频檚 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 91裸聊视频� invaluable at all ages.

3. Make it musical. There91裸聊视频檚 a reason people plug in a workout playlist before a run 91裸聊视频� music motivates. With a repertoire ranging from Lady Gaga to Broadway showstoppers, and 26-year-old musician Dustin McGifford as the group91裸聊视频檚 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 91裸聊视频� all associated with increased risk of dementia 91裸聊视频� 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 caller91裸聊视频檚 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 there91裸聊视频檚 no more social activity for singles or couples than square dancing. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a team sport 91裸聊视频� you have seven other people in your square you91裸聊视频檙e working with.91裸聊视频�

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 .