Mel B on the benefits of Zumba for health and mental well-being
5 june 2026 в 22:13
Mel B knows how to add spice to her life, and anyone can do the same. The 51-year-old multi-talented star led a Zumba House session at SXSW in London on Tuesday, June 2, and in an exclusive interview with Hollywood Life, she discussed the impact of Zumba on mental health, menopause, ADHD, and physical fitness. Instead of a grueling workout, Mel emphasized the joy of dancing.
«We know we need to move to stay physically healthy, yet so many people do not lead an active lifestyle», - said the former Spice Girls member turned health advocate. «Sometimes it’s enough to just tell yourself that you will get out of bed and walk to the store. Other times, you want (and need) to push your body harder. Zumba helps people take steps, sweat, but also have fun and laugh—because making mistakes in the movements is okay too. It’s just a good time!»
The «Wannabe» artist played a dual role at the event, leading a Zumba class and then boldly discussing the importance of mental health, her journey as a survivor of abuse, and her love for dancing.
«First of all, I believe that mental health is very important, and movement is directly related to it», - Mel explained in her interview with Hollywood Life. «There are many ways that Zumba can help mental health. It releases chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, which most workouts cannot do. There are also studies showing that it helps with anxiety and even slows the progression of dementia».
For those who doubt the connection between Zumba and mental well-being, Mel pointed out that the classes promote a more relaxed and fun approach— the less «perfection», - the better. Since being diagnosed with ADHD, Mel shared how anyone else with the condition «will feel safe» in such a workout environment.
«When you’re in a friendly atmosphere like a Zumba class, where there’s no room for perfection, you will feel safe», - noted the honorary degree holder from Leeds Beckett University. «In fact, for people with ADHD, music and following movements help keep the mind sharp and focused».
As an outspoken advocate for menopause, a topic that has long been considered taboo in Hollywood, Mel shared several tips on how other women can navigate their journey. Since every woman will eventually go through this, the Leeds native advised everyone to «prioritize their wellness routine», - including «sleep, movement, and strength training»
«We know we need to move to stay physically healthy, yet so many people do not lead an active lifestyle», - said the former Spice Girls member turned health advocate. «Sometimes it’s enough to just tell yourself that you will get out of bed and walk to the store. Other times, you want (and need) to push your body harder. Zumba helps people take steps, sweat, but also have fun and laugh—because making mistakes in the movements is okay too. It’s just a good time!»
The «Wannabe» artist played a dual role at the event, leading a Zumba class and then boldly discussing the importance of mental health, her journey as a survivor of abuse, and her love for dancing.
«First of all, I believe that mental health is very important, and movement is directly related to it», - Mel explained in her interview with Hollywood Life. «There are many ways that Zumba can help mental health. It releases chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, which most workouts cannot do. There are also studies showing that it helps with anxiety and even slows the progression of dementia».
For those who doubt the connection between Zumba and mental well-being, Mel pointed out that the classes promote a more relaxed and fun approach— the less «perfection», - the better. Since being diagnosed with ADHD, Mel shared how anyone else with the condition «will feel safe» in such a workout environment.
«When you’re in a friendly atmosphere like a Zumba class, where there’s no room for perfection, you will feel safe», - noted the honorary degree holder from Leeds Beckett University. «In fact, for people with ADHD, music and following movements help keep the mind sharp and focused».
As an outspoken advocate for menopause, a topic that has long been considered taboo in Hollywood, Mel shared several tips on how other women can navigate their journey. Since every woman will eventually go through this, the Leeds native advised everyone to «prioritize their wellness routine», - including «sleep, movement, and strength training»
© Smirnova Olga
