The traditional methods of walking, running or swimming may be too repetitive or boring for some people to stick with during a weight loss regimen. Dancing is an unconventional yet effective way to lose weight. Several different dance programs are available as gym classes and on DVDs for home use. Find one that you enjoy to start your weight loss program.
Zumba
Zumba classes are taught at many chain gyms across the country. Set to Latin music, Zumba incorporates salsa, rumba, merengue and hip-hop moves to keep your body moving and to give you a cardio workout. Most Zumba moves are easy to learn, and they isolate your arms, abs and legs for strengthening. Zumba classes are also offered on DVD. Aim to do this workout at least two to three days a week for best weight loss results.
Hip Hop Abs
Hip Hop Abs is strictly a DVD program that uses dance moves to shape and tone your abs -- so you don't have to lie on the floor and do crunches. The dance moves use ab isolation exercises combined with an intense cardio workout to help you lose fat and build a strong six-pack. Aim to complete Hip Hop Abs two to three days a week.
Jazzercise
Jazzercise is one of the oldest dance workout programs, founded in 1969. The combination of jazz dance and strength training tones muscles and burns calories simultaneously. Jazzercise uses barbells and dumbbells to build muscle throughout the workout. It also uses some classic Pilates and yoga movements to help lengthen muscles, while cardio boxing moves give you an aerobic workout. The Jazzercise website states you can burn up to 600 calories in one hour. Do Jazzercise two to three times a week to lose weight.
Belly Dance
Belly dancing has traditionally been viewed as an exotic art form, but this dance workout helps tone problem areas like the hips, back and abs. It isolates these areas with slow and controlled isometric movements while giving you an aerobic workout to melt away fat. Many gyms and dance studios offer these classes, and many DVDs feature belly dance workouts. Aim to complete a belly dancing workout two to three times a week.
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