Most aerobics music is structured in a series of four or eight count rhythms that repeat over and over. This makes organizing a workout from moves that take up two, four or eight counts of the music relatively easy. The moves and the music fit together naturally. While most popular music isn't structured as rigidly as aerobics-specific music, you might be surprised by the variety of songs you can set to standard aerobics.
March
If you're ever unsure how to exercise to music, start by marching in place. Time your steps to the beat of the music. As you get more comfortable, embellish them with arm movements, bringing your knees up or tapping your feet to the front, side or rear instead of actually stepping.
Grapevine
The grapevine, which alternates forward and backward steps as you travel straight to the side, is a staple of both dance aerobics classes and actual line dancing. A single repetition of the grapevine step takes up four counts of music. To do a grapevine to the right, step out to the right with your right foot. Cross your left foot behind your right foot. Step out to the right with your right foot again, then cross your left foot in front of your right foot. Continue alternating forward and backward crosses.
Kick Ball Change
Sometimes also known as "step ball change," this move lets you embellish with a kick, tap or stomp, then adds a syncopated feel as you squeeze three moves into two beats of music.
To do a kick ball change, kick your right foot out in front of you or across your body. You can substitute any other embellishments you might prefer, such as a toe tap, heel tap or knee up instead. Tap the ball of your right foot down on the ground and shift your weight onto it, then immediately step back onto your left foot. This is the "ball change" portion of the move.
Alphabet Soup
Entertain yourself by tracing letters with your feet. Symmetrical letters work best. To do an X, for example, start with your feet hip-width apart. Step forward into a wide stance, right foot first, then your left. Step back to the starting position, right foot leading, then step backward into another wide stance, again leading with the right foot. Return to the starting, narrow stance position to complete the X. Most letters will take up eight counts of music.
Jazz Square
The jazz square is a staple of dance aerobics classes, including Jazzercise. It takes up eight counts of music. To do a jazz square, start with your feet together. Cross your right foot over your left, step back with your left foot, step your right foot out to the side, then step forward on your left. Each step takes up two counts of music.
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