Fun Fitness Tip: Dance Your Way to Fitness

Dancing is once again a hot new fitness trend. While some people may only think of fitness focused dance classes as something similar to the Jazzercise and Jane Fonda aerobics classes of the 1980s, the truth is that the range of offerings now is quite surprising, and has taken on a much more exciting flavor.

Maria Moline, instructor, coaches her Zumba class through the dance choreography in the Patch Fitness Center in U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)In fact, there are enough different styles of dance and music to suit just about every taste. Some of the most popular dance fitness styles include Zumba (which uses freestyle movements to salsa and merengue music), SoulSweat (based on Soul music), Cardio Funk (using Funk music) and even Bollywood (using the high tempo music that’s found in Indian “Bollywood” movies). You can even find more typically "specialized" styles of dancing, such as ballroom, and belly dance, to be excellent forms of exercise. If there’s a style of music that you hear on the radio that makes you want to get up and move to the beat, then chances are there’s a fitness class built around it.

There are many different benefits of dancing for fitness. You’ll get the aerobic and muscle strengthening benefits, of course. But dance fitness classes can also be a lot of fun. Keep in mind that many people who begin a new exercise program will end up giving up on their fitness goals because they get bored with treadmills and weightlifting machines. That isn’t likely to happen with a dance class. Going to a dance class will also get you socializing with the other class members, which can make it much easier to motivate yourself for each future class.

But don’t be fooled, fitness dance classes are a seriously good workout. The movements may not involve any weights or balls or steps, but they can be extremely challenging. Fitness dancing often requires participants to move in ways that they’re not used to; side to side or diagonally, perhaps, while moving their arms in different ways at the same time. There’s a good chance that you’ll be a little sore (but in a good way) after your first class!

Andrea Knight, Zumba instructor, leads her class through 'salty Latin moves' while helping them maintain good fitness. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Getting started with a dance fitness class is easy enough. It’s likely that a local health club or community center offers at least one type of these classes. Call the facilities in your area to find out the various options that fit within your schedule. Dance fitness classes are even becoming so popular that fitness studios focusing on these types of classes are popping up all over the country.

Even though these classes almost always provide a positive and supportive environment, some people prefer to do their exercising at home on their own. It’s certainly possible to do any of the dance fitness routines at home. The easiest and least expensive way to begin, or to see what style is best for you, is to go online and do a search on YouTube. You’ll find numerous videos of the dance moves, and even some choreographed classes that you can follow along with.

Once you’re more serious about working out with dance, you can rent or buy professionally made DVDs for quite cheaply - often about the cost of a quick dinner for one. Your local library may also have dance workout DVDs for you to check out and use at home, which gives you a chance to try out a DVD and see if you like the instructor's style and pace before you buy it.

However you choose to begin, start slow and give yourself a little time to learn the moves. Once you do, you’ll probably be hooked!

A Few Of Our Favorite Dance Workouts: