After recovering from her early experiences with ballet, Dr. Nelson decided to give movement another try. However, she did so—and continues to do so—with a hefty amount of self-awareness. Exhibit A?"I’ve never joined a gym," she reveals. "Even with all the dancing I do, I’m still an introvert at heart. Gyms are too noisy with too many people. Plus, going to a gym would mean driving there, working out, showering, driving home and then starting work. I knew I wouldn’t maintain that schedule for long."
The Type of Dancing That Now Has Her 'Hooked'
With her hips no longer up for ice skating dance, Dr. Nelson knew it was time to take another turn. Square dancing offered a social atmosphere, and she loved the cardio and cognitive challenge. However, she was ready to move on from it after three years. "I went back to ballet at 65," she says. "At 70, my boyfriend at the time suggested taking ballroom dance lessons. The nearby Arthur Murray Dance Studio was the place to go. Once our relationship ended, I wanted to continue ballroom dancing but wondered if I could without a partner."The answer was a gigantic yes. "Most people who take ballroom dance classes are without partners," she explains. "In group lessons, you dance with other students. For private lessons, you are assigned to an instructor who is also your partner. During my first lesson, an instructor led me around the floor, and I was in heaven. It felt fabulous, and I was hooked."
Dr. Nelson adores the way her fitness routine makes her feel. She's committed to it but is flexible during times when "work commitments prohibit it." Still, she feels her best when she can say yes to her routine, so she makes it a daily and weekly priority."My daily exercise routine keeps my body in peak shape," she raves. "Mentally, exercise helps improve my memory, keeps my stress level down and helps me stay optimistic. Exercise makes me feel better all over and increases my self-confidence as I achieve physical goals."
2. Resistance bands and physical therapy exercises
Dr. Nelson works with resistance bands and performs physical therapy exercises for a half an hour daily. The aim is to work on a knee injury she suffered while chasing down an Uber at an airport in November of 2024. "I wear a brace for support while the knee continues to heal," she adds. "It’s no big deal. You don’t have to be perfect in the exercise you choose. In my case, the injury taught me how to dance around it."
4. Aerobic step riser
Ballroom dance is a fantastic cardio workout, but Dr. Nelson tacks on 10 extra minutes of heart-rate-elevating movement. She uses an aerobic step riser and steps up and down during this part of her routine.
6. Ballroom dance
The heart of Dr. Nelson's routine is ballroom dance. She takes private ballroom dance competition lessons four days a week. "On the days I don’t have a ballroom dance lesson, I do 1 ½ hours of ballroom dance routines in my home," she shares. "That’s why my furniture is strangely arranged for maximum floor space."However, the quirkiness and occasional good-natured comments from a guest are all worth it. "With ballroom dancing, you are always learning new skills and always being challenged both mentally as well as physically, surrounded by a community that encourages you," Dr. Nelson says. "The mental challenges of ballroom dancing keep my mind sharp. I’m always learning."Related: At 81, Jazzercise Founder Judi Sheppard Missett Is in the Best Shape of Her Life—Here’s How She Does It
How To Keep on Dancing Into Your 70s and Beyond
However, ballroom dance may not be your idea of a good time. She shares that's OK. Figure out what your "thing" is. "Find an exercise routine that you actually enjoy doing or you won’t stick with it," Dr. Nelson says. "Try classes —yoga, Pilates, Zumba, dancing—whatever it is, give it a month. You won’t know immediately if it’s for you. It’s simple—if you like the exercise and look forward to it, you’ll do it. If you don’t, you won’t."Once you find your passion, make it a priority. "Keep going, and put in the work," she urges. "As we age, if we stop, it takes our body longer to regain what it has lost. Besides, it’s just fun to feel your body feel good."
Related: ‘I’m 78 and in the Best Shape of My Life—This Is the Exact Workout Routine I Swear By'
Sources:
Dr. Noelle Nelson, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, ballroom dancer, podcast host and author Read More Details
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