It's no surprise that people will stick with an exercise routine they like, but finding that routine can sometimes be difficult. In fact, an article at MayoClinic.com specifically suggests mining your likes and dislikes when determining an exercise plan that will work for you. For instance, the health-care providers there suggest that if you're someone who enjoys dancing at clubs, a dance-based exercise routine or an aerobics class that uses dance moves are choices that will have you happily burning calories. Most routines can be modified based on your skill and fitness level and, really, just moving to the music will help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
Zumba
This Latin-inspired program combines traditional dance moves in an aerobic workout. It was developed by Alberto "Beto" Perez in the 1990s in Colombia and became a worldwide phenomenon by 2005. The program is available in health clubs with classes taught by certified instructors, or on DVD. This fitness program is appropriate for all ages and even has the Zumbatronics program for children ages 4 to 12.
Jazzercise
Jazzercise was one of the first dance-based fitness programs, started in 1969 by college student and exercise instructor Judi Sheppard Missett. The 60-minute classes combine dance moves, Pilates, kickboxing, stretching and resistance training to give a full-body workout that is set to music. Jazzercise Junior, for children 4 to 12, is offered at some facilities.
Eirerobics
Diane Laverty has created a DVD program that incorporates Irish dance steps into an exercise routine aimed at non-professionals. Eirerobics is not meant to teach Irish dance, but does use traditional dance steps with other aerobic steps, such as the grapevine, to offer a workout. Laverty reports on her website that fewer than half the women on the DVD have had any experience with Irish dance. The DVD is 40 minutes in length with several 10 to 15 minute routines.
Belly Dancing
Belly dancing is a great way to exercise for weight loss, according to Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., a physician at the Mayo Clinic. He suggests taking a class that has continuous movement instead of a lot of time for teaching, to get the most benefit. There are many different styles of belly dancing, according to the website learn-to-belly-dance.com, but they all incorporate an undulating stomach, hip swaying and hand-movements.
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