Every spring, thousands of people gather in Palm Springs to dance their hearts out in the desert at Coachella. There’s no denying that America’s biggest music festival is a party, but it just so happens to be a great workout, too, according to Maya Sank, founder of Maya Moves, which offers group and private dance lessons.
Dancing offers massive benefits for the body and mind, but busting a move in dry heat takes the whole workout up a notch. Below, Sank explains the benefits of moving your body freely. Plus, how to stay healthy and hydrated at any music festival you may be attending this season.
Benefits of Dancing in the Desert
“The obvious benefits of dancing are physical, but learning choreography, or just moving to what the music tells you, can be extremely beneficial to your mental health, too,” says Sank. “To me, there’s no greater feeling than moving your body without judgment, surrounded by an accepting community. Bonus is that you get a good sweat!”
It improves cardiovascular health.
Moving your body quickly increases your heart rate and may improve your cardiovascular health. Moderate-intensity dancing (read: jumping up and down to music with your friends) has been shown to be even better for your heart compared to low-intensity movement.
It's easier on joints.
Unlike other forms of cardio, such as running or HIIT, dancing is relatively low-impact and, thus, may not be as hard on your joints and bones as high-impact sports. Staying light on your feet as you dance can help prevent injury.
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It enhances balance.
As you dance, you’re constantly shifting your weight from one foot to another, relying on your postural control, core strength, and more to help you stay upright. Over time, this movement pattern can lead to better balance even when you’re no longer on the dance floor. Balance is an important skill for any athlete because it may help improve your coordination and reaction time. Plus, it’s key for longevity.
It boosts mood.
Freestyling on the dance floor has been shown to offer a myriad of mental health benefits, including reducing the symptoms that come along with stress, depression, and anxiety. This may have the overall effect of lightening your mood and making you feel more joyful. “Dance can be therapeutic, allowing your body to disconnect from your mind and move the way the music drives you,” Sank explains.
It builds community.
Talk about an extra mood boost: Dancing with the people you love — particularly at a festival — can make you feel like you love and belong. “Dancing at a festival creates a universal experience, surrounded by people there for the same reasons,” says Sank. “It’s like being able to communicate without having to speak the same language.”
How to Care for Your Body in the Desert
While the desert is a good venue for a dance party, you’ll need to be mindful of caring for yourself as the day (or days) stretch on. Dietitian Jamie Lee McIntyre, RDN, has a few expert tips for watching out for your body in dry heat.
Prioritize hydration.
Your number one dance partner should be your water bottle, says McIntyre. You can also rehydrate with what you eat. “Snack on hydrating foods, like fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries — all of which have high water content and provide essential vitamins and minerals,” she says. As the day goes on, take tabs on the color of your urine. If it’s darker than a pale yellow, it’s time to drink up.
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Replace your electrolytes.
“When you sweat, you lose electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Replenishing these is important for hydration and maintaining proper muscle function,” McIntyre says. Pack electrolyte packets or tablets in your bag so that you have easy access to them throughout the day. “Generally, you’ll want to replace electrolytes after 60 or more minutes of sweating while dancing,” adds McIntyre.
Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.
It’s easy to get carried away with substances at music festivals, but alcohol and caffeine can leave you feeling dehydrated and unwell. “Although it's tempting, it’s important to avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine intake — especially when active in desert conditions. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks can have diuretic effects, increasing urine production and potentially leading to dehydration. Limit your consumption of these beverages, especially in the heat,” says McIntyre.
Take breaks throughout the day to hang out in the shade.
After a long time dancing in the sun, you’ll probably be ready to grab a friend and find a scraggly tree to perch under. McIntyre says it’s a good idea to escape the sun as much as possible throughout the day, so stake out a good shady spot and call it yours.
Make a plan beforehand.
With all this in mind, McIntyre recommends having a hydration plan in place before heading to the desert. Maybe you set your watch to remind you to take a few sips every 20 minutes or agree to meet up with friends under a nearby tent every couple of hours for a rest. Planning ahead of time will ensure you have a fun day of dancing minus any heat exhaustion drama.