Aerobic activities require oxygen. These activities consist of repeated large muscle movements over an extended period of time. In contrast, anaerobic activities such as weightlifting occur in the absence of oxygen, generally occurring in very fast, short bursts of activity. While some ballroom dances appear relatively fast, dance routines take minutes, not seconds, thereby classifying them as an aerobic activity.
Definition: Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic activity involves the repeated movement of the large muscle groups in your arms, legs and hips for an extended period of time. During this type of activity, you breathe fast and deep to maximize the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart beats fast, which increases blood flow between your muscles and lungs. Small blood vessels expand to deliver increased oxygen to your muscles and carry away the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that accumulates.
Definition: Anaerobic
Anaerobic activities occur in the absence of oxygen, requiring your muscles to work at high intensities and at high rates but only for a very short period of time. These types of activities increase muscle strength. Typical anaerobic exercises include heavy weightlifting and sprinting. During anaerobic exercise, lactic acid production contributes to muscle fatigue and must be removed before additional anaerobic activities can occur.
Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom dancing provides aerobic exercise, as the intensity and duration compares to the aerobic activities of jogging, swimming and cycling, rather than anaerobic activities such as weight lifting. Waltzes, for example, consist of smooth progressive dance steps characterized by long, flowing movements and continuous, graceful turns. The tango consists of walking movements characterized as "stalking" or "sneaking" in character. While certain bursts of weight lifting occur in special moves of some ballroom dance routines -- lifting your partner over your head, for example -- the majority of dances require oxygen to meet the energy demands of the dances.
Considerations
Ballroom dancing provides a fun and relatively safe way to engage in aerobic exercise. While it is safe for most people, you may want to get your doctor's permission first, particularly if you have a chronic health condition. Also, start any new activity slowly, to allow your body time to get used to using different muscle groups and to avoid injuries.
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