What Muscles Are Used To Salsa Dance?

Salsa dancing is a fun and enjoyable form of exercise. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness levels and stronger muscles and bones. Dancing is an intense, calorie burning workout, with ranges between 5 to 10 calories burned per minute. Salsa dancing is a full body workout utilizing all of your major muscle groups. There are different styles of salsa dancing that vary according to culture. Intensities may vary according to the cadence, or beat.

Lower Body Muscles

Salsa dancing is a weight-bearing activity that primarily works your lower body muscles. Dance steps that require forward movement work the quadriceps--the front of your thighs. Moving backward utilizes your buttocks and hamstrings--the back of your thighs. It is important to achieve muscular balance between the opposing muscle groups to prevent injuries Your inner and outer thigh muscles work to rotate your hips inward and outward. Your calves contract to point your toes, while your shins work to flex, or lift, your toes up. Wearing high heels also adds to the workload on your calves and shins while dancing. A great deal of stress is placed on your buttocks in order to step forward and backward off of a pivot foot.

Upper Body Muscles

The muscles in your upper body are utilized when dancing with a partner and holding hands. Upper body muscles are grouped as push--your chest, shoulders and triceps, and pull--your back and biceps. When moving together towards your partner, you use your pull muscles to bring your body closer. When moving apart you use your push muscles to push away from your partner. Use your finger flexor muscles to hold hands with your partner and your shoulders to lift your arms up. Your biceps are used to bend your arm at the elbow and the wrist muscles rotate your hands to add flair to your dance steps.

Core Muscles

Your abdomen and lower back muscles make up your core. The core works as your center of gravity and helps you move. The muscles stabilizes your spine and helps you maintain your balance. A strong core improves your posture and your center of power comes from your core. Energy comes from your center and is transferred to your arms and legs for all movements.