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Mel b She knew how to bring joy into her life, and everyone else could do it too. The 51-year-old multi-hyphenate led the way Zumba House at SXSW London on Tuesday, June 2, and opened up about Zumba’s impact on mental health, menopause, ADHD and fitness during an exclusive interview with Hollywood life. Instead of strenuous and stressful exercise, Mel emphasized the joy of dancing.
“We know we need to move to stay physically healthy, and yet so many people are still inactive,” the singer-turned-health advocate said. “Sometimes, it can be as simple as telling yourself you’re going to get out of bed and go to the store. Other times, you want (and need) to push your body a little harder. Zumba classes help people walk, sweat a lot, but also have a good time and laugh — because it’s okay to mess up the moves, too. It’s just a good time!”
The “Wannabe” artist pulled double duty at the event by leading a Zumba class, then bravely discussed the importance of mental health, her journey as an abuse survivor and her lifelong love of dance.
“First, I think mental health is very important, and movement is directly related,” Mel explained to Hollywood Life. “There are many ways that Zumba can benefit mental health. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins simultaneously, which many exercises cannot do. There are also studies that show it helps treat anxiety, and even slow dementia.”
For those who question the connection between Zumba and the mind, Mel pointed out that the classes encourage a looser, more fun approach — aka the less “perfection,” the better. Since being diagnosed with ADHD, Mel explained how anyone else with the condition would “feel safe” in this workout environment.
“When you’re in an environment like a Zumba class, which is very welcoming and has nothing to do with perfection, you feel safe,” noted the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University. “In fact, for people with ADHD, music and tracking keep your mind sharp and focused.”
As an outspoken advocate for menopause, a topic that used to be considered taboo in Hollywood, Mel shared some advice on how other women can manage their own journey. Because every woman will eventually go through it, the Leeds, West Yorkshire, native advised everyone to “P.SPrioritize your wellness routine with “sleep, movement, and strength training.”
