The community supports the idea that physical activities requiring a high cognitive load and constant adaptation, such as dance, are superior to repetitive exercises for stimulating brain plasticity.

noli's read

Scientific literature does indeed support that training combining physical effort and cognitive challenge, such as dance, promotes brain plasticity more than purely repetitive exercises. A study published in 'Frontiers in Human Neuroscience' (RCT) shows that dance improves white matter structure, likely due to step memorization and spatial coordination. However, it is an exaggeration to conclude that dance is intrinsically 'better' in an absolute sense, as other complex activities like martial arts or ball sports engage similar neurological mechanisms. The notion of physical expression mentioned by users, while interesting, is a matter of personal feeling rather than a validated biological mechanism. Current research primarily highlights the need for novelty and motor complexity to keep the brain agile, regardless of the chosen discipline. The community strongly converges on the idea that mental complexity is the key to the neurological benefits of exercise.

the sources

1. 1r/AdvancedFitness