Dance inspired fitness classes
Dance classes can be as calorie-burning and energizing as a high-intensity
aerobic class. Dancing is upbeat and fun, and provides a thorough
workout. The new phenomenum of Zumba™ fitness classes has
highlighted how effective dancing can be in terms of fat-burning,
and improving stamina and fitness.
The important thing about incorporating regular exercise into your
life, as part of your weight-loss and fitness plan, is to find a
form of exercise that you enjoy doing. If you have fun at a dance
class you are far more likely to keep going. As with all fitness
classes, dance workouts are motivational, and exercising in a group
with an instructor choreographing you is often a lot easier, and
enjoyable than working out on your own. Try a class to see if it's
what you enjoy; many gyms and Health clubs offer taster classes.
Beware though as you may find yourself hooked for life you enjoy
it so much!
 Ballet
Fusion/Fitness
If you are looking for better flexibility, muscle toning and an improved
posture, then a ballet style fitness class is ideal. As well as learning
basic ballet steps you will work on your core strength and stability
with abdominal and back exercises.
This class can also be a good cardio workout and the positions are
generally more demanding than yoga. If you work hard expect muscle
lengthening, a toned bottom and stomach, lean legs, great balance,
improved posture and coordination. Be prepared though, it's a fairly
intense muscle workout.
Ballroom
This class generally teaches you the steps to well known dances,
such as: the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-cha-cha, Quickstep and Jive. Some
gyms will run fitness classes using these steps, without the traditional
partnering, to upbeat music to provide a fun aerobic workout.
It depends how energetically you use these dances, as to how much
of a cardio or fitness workout it gives you. Any exercise is better
for you than watching tv, and it will certainly improve your cordination.
Belly Dancing
 This
exotic Oriental dance class can be great fun, as with any dancing
it will burn calories, and the belly movements help shape and tone
your waist - a bit like hula hooping does! Your core strength and
posture should also improve.
Belly-dancing is a good low-impact exercise but can also be a heart-pumping
workout, depending on the intensity of the class. It is possible
to burn around 300 calories per class, depending on your weight
and effort.
You can usually work barefoot or wear ballet pump style shoes, and
you are generally given the option to buy a hip scarf to make your
dancing more fun, (they have coins and sequins attached which jangle
as you dance!)
Flamenco
This is a high-intensity aerobic class that works the abs, thigh muscles,
glutes and hips. This fast-paced dance style is also a good form of
cardiovascular exercise, as you twist and perform small jumps, among
other vibrant and exciting flamenco steps. You generally don't need
to dress specially for classes, but take water as it can be quite
a physical workout.
Jazzercise
This is a dance-based fat-burning cardio class which incorporates
strength training and stretching, to tone muscles. This class doesn't
just teach you dance steps, it mixes Pilates, Yoga and Kickboxing
moves to a great music track which gives you a full body workout
as you're having fun.
Linedancing
This is a gentle dance workout, where you move in lines to country
and western music tracks. Casual clothing is fine for line-dancing
and many wear a cowboy hat!
Pole Dancing
This exercise may have some eyebrows raised, as it is generally connected
more with its entertainment value than recognised as a serious fitness
class. However, pole-dancing can be a form of skilled acrobatic exercise
which strengthens and tones upper body muscles and provides a powerful
workout for the abs. Some gyms are now running pole fitness classes.
 Salsa
Dancing is great way to lose weight, and most upbeat Latin American
dances are going to help you burn calories. Your cordination and
posture should also improve and you could burn around 400 calories
an hour, depending on your weight and effort.
Find
out which exercise burns the most calories (opens in new window)
Zumba™
This is hitting gyms everywhere and is one of the fastest-growing,
dance-based fitness classes. It's roots are Latin American and you
can expect a dynamic, fast-moving class to pulsating Latin rhythms,
incorporating exciting dance steps, including salsa, tango, rock
and roll and samba.
This is a great way to lose weight and really have fun at the same
time! It's a total body workout and will fat-burn and tone your
body. It has been reported that you can burn around 700 calories
per class, but this is dependent on your weight and the intensity
you work at. Remember to take a bottle of water with you to avoid
dehydration. Don't think exercise think party!
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