Flexibility is an important part of being healthy. Dance requires a great amount of flexibility.

Most dance classes begin with a warm-up including several stretching exercises. Dancers must strive to achieve full range of motion for all the major muscle groups.

The greater the range of motion, the more muscles can flex and extend. Most forms of dance require dancers to perform moves that require bending and stretching, so dancers naturally become more flexible by simply dancing.

Strength is defined as the ability of a muscle to exert a force against resistance. Dancing builds strength by forcing the muscles to resist against a dancer’s own body weight. Dance is physical exercise. Exercise increases endurance. Endurance is the ability of muscles to work hard for increasingly longer periods of time without fatigue.

Regular dancing is great for improving endurance, especially vigorous dancing such as line and ballroom dancing. Elevating the heart rate can increase stamina. Just as in any form of exercise, regular dancing will build endurance.

Dancing is a social activity.

Studies have shown that strong social ties and socializing with friends contribute to high self-esteem and a positive outlook.

Dancing provides many opportunities to meet other people. Joining a dance class can increase self-confidence and build social skills. Because physical activity reduces stress and tension, regular dancing gives an overall sense of well-being.

That is only the top four reasons why dance is good for you.

Another is that it is fun. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, join us for fun with Chris Von Arx and the Highway 3 band at the Senior Center. We are collaborating with other wonderful agencies in the community to make it free for you.

Chris and his family band performs music from Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams Sr., Elvis and Buddy Holly. There will be refreshments available. See you there! You are always welcome at the Senior Center. See you soon.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m; Tai Chi 4 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Movie: “School of Rock,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage,  Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m., Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.;

Thursday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; eye care Clinic 11:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 4 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge Tournament), 12:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge Results

Oct. 17, four tables

1st David Solomonson, 2nd Loretta Nelson, 3rd Arnie Lang, 4th Harriet Oldenburg, 5th Bud Higgins, 6th Russ Vaale.

Tuesday “500”Results

Oct. 18, three tables

1st Betty Fisher, 2nd Beulah Luthe, 3rd Dorothy Stern, 4th Gene Rauen

Tuesday Afternoon

Bridge Results

Oct. 18, six tables

1st Stan Green, 1st Larry Crowe, 2nd Phyllis, 2nd Lorraine, 3rd Ray Schmidt

3rd Gail Schmidt, 4th Jim Fisher, 4th Bud Higgins, 5th Gene Muchow, 5th Ron Peters, 6th Millie Seiver, 6th Arne Lang.

Friday Bridge Results

Oct. 21, four tables

1st David Solomonson

2nd John Allen

3rd Mary Johnson

4th Dave Ring

5th Mabel Vaale

6th JoAnne Maxfield

Pinochle

Dave Solomonson, Hilton Henschen

Weekly “500” Results

Oct. 21, four tables

1st Willard Ballantyne, 2nd Dorothy Stern, 3rd Lois Anderson, 4th Mildred Ballantyne

Weekly Cribbage Results

Oct. 19, three tables

1st Mabel Vaale, 2nd Russell Vaale, 3rd Loretta Prantner.

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Hawaiian chicken

Tuesday: Salisbury steak

Wednesday: New England boiled dinner. Alt: Sliced Turkey Roast

Thursday: Roast beef

Friday: Sausage egg bake