A lot as it turns out.
Here is another (edited) post from Dr Helena Popovic, medical doctor, international speaker author.
"Unicycling is one of the most complex balance pursuits one can undertake. The rider is constantly having to adjust their balance forward, backward, left and right. At the same time, they need to pay close attention to their foot movements to ensure they apply the correct pressure and speed to the pedal. They also need to be acutely aware of the position and movement of their body (proprioception), while being attuned to their environment to stay safe. Phew!
Tango requires all these skills, PLUS you must pay close attention to another person's body and foot movement, walk to and interpret, sometimes complex, music, and navigate a crowded room. And, for ladies, it’s all done in reverse, wearing very high heels (if you’re game).
In one study, just three weeks of unicycle training resulted in improved postural control, accompanied by changes in grey and white matter brain networks involved in both motor and mental functions. Five weeks after the participants stopped riding, their brain structure returned to its pre-cycling state.
Apart from dramatically enhancing balance and co-ordination, unicycling offers many other brain- and body-benefits.
Tango checks every one of these boxes (except for the outdoors)
To list but a few:
Unicycling is a form of aerobic exercise (endurance training), which improves every aspect of brain function.
It incorporates strength training — stronger muscles equate to a stronger mind. Unicycling uses almost every muscle group in the body: core, back, legs, arms, chest, neck. As you get more proficient, you become more muscle efficient, but you continue to engage your lower body for balance, and your upper body for steering. (Is that ever a Tango secret)
It improves focus and concentration. People with ADHD report that unicycling can be as effective as medication. Other riders have described unicycling as their meditation.
It entails complex skill acquisition, which stimulates the formation of countless new connections between brain cells (neurons). Learning anything new is a brain-booster but unicycling is particularly effective because it involves many different regions of the brain.
It sharpens the reflexes.
It enhances vision, hearing and proprioception because the rider needs to be alert to multiple forms of incoming information to maintain balance.
It’s a great conversation starter. Ken affirms that when he rides his unicycle, more people say hello, ask questions and engage in friendly banter.
Tango builds social connections with like minded people. Social interaction is one of the most powerful ways to keep our brain working at its best.
It promotes a sense of achievement.
It stimulates the release of feel good neurotransmitters: serotonin, endorphins, noradrenaline, dopamine.
It’s great for mental health on many levels.
It’s a form of positive stress (the adrenaline rush).
It builds confidence to try other new things.
It creates opportunities to set new goals and continue to acquire new skills.
It’s great fun!
As Einstein said, ‘Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.’
or,
as Al Pacino said, ‘Life is like a Tango; when you get all tangled up, just Tango on” (Scent of a Woman)
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