Whether its hip hop, reggae, country, classical or pop, there's a form of music for everyone. Your favorite disc undoubtedly has a style of dance or movement that goes with it. Is big band your thing? Try swing. How about jazz or hip hop? These are also styles of dance. Classical? Take up ballroom or ballet. Does country stir your soul? Try the two-step. Dancing to music is fun. Dance is also excellent exercise, requiring stamina, flexibility, strength, and conditioning. If you want to exercise, turn on the music!
Dance
Dare to dance. People who love dance welcome students of all ages and skill levels. It's never too late to try a class in jazz, contemporary, tap, salsa, ballroom, Irish dancing, belly dancing or scads of other genres.
Zumba
Zumba is an international dance phenomenon begun in 1999 and now taught in 75 countries. Zumba is based on Latin music, dance and rhythms, including salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton.
Jazzercise
Jazzercise, founded in 1969, has franchises in 32 countries. Classes incorporate simple dance choreography, kick-boxing, Pilates and resistance training moves with a wide variety of music styles from country to hip hop to rock.
Aerobics
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, aerobics is "essentially an hour's workout set to music," which usually includes a warm-up, stretching, and cool-down. Originally aerobic dance, this type of exercise has expanded to include elements of yoga, martial arts and sports.
IPods
Have music will travel. These days, iPod and MP3 technology makes exercise to music possible just about anywhere. Just download your favorite songs, pop in those earbuds and start walking, biking, hiking or running.
Dance with Friends
Pure freestyle dancing, with friends, at home, in a club or at a party, still qualifies as one of the most enjoyable workouts set to music. If you dance hard enough, you'll really only want to drink water!
Home Alone
If it's been a while since you danced or you are naturally the retiring type, you can try one of the millions of exercise DVDs on sale, almost all of which are set to music. Better yet, put on your favorite CD and freestyle at home. It's liberating because you can dance without inhibitions--nobody's watching.
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