Many studies show positive links between physical fitness
and brain function. Exercise literally changes the brain, stimulating new cells (neurogenesis). Vigorous activity grows new brain cells, especially in the
hippocampus, the area responsible for certain types of remembering. Children who
exercise regularly achieve better academic results, find it easier to pay
attention and are generally calmer and happier. Exercising as adults reduces
the damage of daily stresses on our brain, improving memory and mood. Physical fitness
translates into mental fitness. When we exercise we produce more of the hormone
Dopamine which helps us to be creative, focus, and remain emotionally balanced.
As we age a regular activity programme can stave off many of the degenerative cognitive
issues that a sedentary lifestyle appears to encourage.
So far so good; exercise of any kind is good for our brain, and therfore our mental health. But I think Zumba is even better than that. I feel that Zumba classes and Zumba
teachers create the core conditions that are necessary to induce positive change.
http://www.talking-therapy.org.uk/counselling/the-core-conditions-for-therapeutic-change/
http://www.talking-therapy.org.uk/counselling/the-core-conditions-for-therapeutic-change/
A Zumba class allows people to be in a relationship (with the other participants and the teacher) where they experience themselves as understood and accepted for who they are, by an instructor who interacts with them genuinely and sincerely.
“If I can provide
a certain type of relationship the other person will discover within himself
the capacity to use that relationship for growth, and change and personal development
will occur” Rogers
The three core
conditions are:
Congruence – the ability to be yourself.
Acceptance - (Unconditional Positive Regard) being accepted and
respected for who you are.
Empathy – to be
understood in your own terms.
Many Zumba teachers will recognize the participant who flourishes
after a few weeks of coming to class. The shy girl at the back starts to wear brighter
leggings, she no longer glances nervously around, but joyfully ‘whoops’ with
the pleasure of moving her body. And of course some of this can be attributed to
the purely physiological benefits of exercise. However in my experience the attendees of Zumba classes
are always warm welcoming and encouraging to ‘Newbies’ and Zumba teachers positive, accepting and understanding. Every class creates a space where we can be ourselves
without feeling judged, a special kind of bonding encounter that keeps people
coming back week after week and complete acceptance for all ages, shapes and
sizes.
I wonder how many Zumba fans have made life changing
decisions after taking classes for a couple of months; finally getting up the courage to start saying
‘no’, or taking more control at work and asking for recognition, or even leaving
an unhappy relationship.
Zumba teachers notice the changes taking place in their class
and are able to adapt with speed and flexibility to the needs of each participant
in any particular session. Zumba teachers are great at judging the ‘feeling’ of
the class and changing the tracks to respond accordingly. The whole time
continue to support, encourage and smile; role models that class members mirror
in their energy and their optimistic outlook. Neuroscientists discovered ‘mirror neurons’ which fire both when we perform
an action and when we see someone else perform the same action; when they fire
they enable us to understand others goals, intentions and emotions. Many scientists
believe that empathy is largely explained by the existence of mirror neurons. When we mirror the Zumba teacher’s body
movements and happy energy in class we become part of a positive cycle of congruence,
acceptance and empathy.
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