Dance workout videos exist to help you get healthy through dance as well as teach you different styles of dance. From Latin to ballroom to line dance, from ballet to hip-hop to belly dance, many styles can be indulged through workout DVDs. No matter what type of dance you are learning or the type of workout you are seeking, a quality dance workout video will feature several different elements: warm-up, workout, cool down, clear instructions and good music.
Warm-Up
The warm-up is an essential part of any workout, and in dance workout videos, you'll often get a taste of the styles and movements to come. It starts with low-impact movements that will begin to increase your heart rate and blood flow to your muscles while stretching you out and making you less susceptible to injury. Most warm-up sessions in a dance workout range from 5 to 10 minutes.
Workout
The workout section of a women's dance workout varies from video to video. Some workouts last half an hour, while others last nearly a full hour; it all depends on the type of video and the decisions of the instructor. In some videos, you will be exposed to multiple styles of dance, while in others, you will be taught different movements that are essentially one kind of dance. Regardless of the content, the workout is the section in which you will learn the most steps and burn the most calories.
Cool-Down
Proper dance workout videos will include a cool-down section at the end. This gradually relaxes your muscles and heart rate while also helping your breathing return to normal. It is, in essence, the reverse of the warm-up. The cool-down uses softer, smoother and gentler motions to remove lactic acid--a chemical created as your muscles grow tired--from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and energetic instead of sore and lightheaded.
Good Music
Good music is an essential part of a dance workout video. The music is what helps motivate you to keep working out, but it also determines the timing for each movement and should be appropriate for the style of dance the instructor is leading. The type of music you like will also help you determine which kind of dance workout video to select; for instance, if you're not crazy about Latin music, then a samba or salsa workout won't cut it for you.
Clear Instruction
Nothing is more frustrating than a dance workout that moves beyond your capabilities. Good dance workout videos will alleviate this potential issue by providing clear instruction in one of two ways. First, the instructor may choose to break down the steps slowly, follow the breakdown with a small increase in which you dance at half tempo, then follow half tempo with doing the routine at full speed. Other instructors will choose to include a tutorial segment that gets you familiar with the movements that will be included later in the video.
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