Dancing offers a full body workout - using arms, legs, trunk all at the same time. The many different dance rhythms and steps in Shimmy will also help you sharpen up your co-ordination skills!

Dance enables you to move your body in ways that may not be typical in your day- to-day life. This increases your range of movement (plus lots of the moves are fun to do!)

Your heart rate and breathing rate both increase while dancing. There are many long-term health benefits to getting an extra cardiovascular workout.

Keeping your body active helps to keep you youthful as you age.

Dancing improves body awareness and balance which means you are much less likely to have falls or accidents.

Dancing is one of the best ways you can prevent (and even treat) osteoporosis. Forms of exercise that force your body to fight against gravity (weight bearing), have been shown to be effective ways of strengthening your bones.

Dancers get a mental as well as a physical workout. Focusing on different parts of the body simultaneously is a mental challenge. This helps the mind to stay sharp.

Dancing reduces the levels of cortisol in your body (also known as the stress hormone) so it’s a great stress reliever! It also gives you an endorphin boost which explains the big smiles at the end a Shimmy class!

The warm, welcoming and fun atmosphere of a Shimmy class is perfect for connecting with others and feeling part of a friendly community.