Salsa, a Latin style of lively dancing, involves six steps spread over eight counts of music. Popular among Latinos, its emphasis on cardiovascular activity and the hip- and ab-strengthening movements make it an ideal addition to your workout. Even if you've never tried salsa dancing, you can use the fast-moving salsa music and a few easy steps to put together your own routine for effective weight loss.
Step 1
Download individual songs or buy CDs of salsa music from a variety of salsa artists to create playlists or CD compilations made up of energizing salsa music for exercising. Artists like Ricky Martin, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoa, Frania All-Stars, Tito Nieves, Oscar D'Leon and Fruko are ideal, suggests SalsaMusicLovers.com.
Step 2
Learn a few basic salsa-dancing steps. Although you could simply move your body to the music, a few salsa dance steps can make your workout feel more authentic and help you forget that you're exercising. The main step in salsa dancing begins with your feet together, notes Quazen.com. The left foot steps forward, then back to start, and the right foot steps back, and back to start. Salsa is a basic back and forth music that can be done with or without a partner.
Step 3
Attend a salsa dancing class, or rent a salsa video. Follow along with the instructor, and take note of the way that he makes the dance his own. Salsa music should make you want to move your hips and feet quickly. You might want to listen to your own music while watching the video or use the video until you feel comfortable enough to dance on your own.
Step 4
Create your own choreography by incorporating the basic salsa steps with hip-shaking, crossing your feet and incorporating what you've learned from your salsa instructor. Remember that for salsa, you'll need to plan six steps for every eight beats. Count out loud if it seems easier for you to follow.
Step 5
Burn your favorite salsa songs onto your CD, or load them onto an mp3 player like an iPod. Crank the music loud, and dance somewhere where you can be alone while listening to the music. Get comfortable by yourself, and listen to the music as you add more steps for exercise. You may also find that the fast beat of salsa music is ideal for other forms of exercise, like running on the treadmill or indoor cycling.
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