Salsa dancing is a type of swing-style Latin dance originally created to accompany the genre of Latin music with the same name. Popular around the world, salsa dance first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and usually requires two partners for each dance. While salsa dancing has been modified into a higher-impact workout for fitness aficionados, traditional salsa dancing is also a good way to get the body moving and burning calories.
Calories Burned
Glamour's online fitness calculor reports that the average person of 150 lbs. burns upward of 350 calories per hour while salsa dancing at a medium intensity. The more intense your salsa dance workout, the more calories you will burn during your workout. Workouts designed with salsa in mind may burn even more calories per hour than traditional partnered salsa dancing.
Socialize and Shape Up
Salsa dancing can serve two main purposes: it can help you get out and socialize, and it can help you shape up at the same time. Research salsa dancing clubs and classes in your area. Ask a friend to go with you or make up your mind to meet some new people at the venue you decide on for your next salsa outing. The continual movement involved with traditional salsa dancing can get the heart rate up, and the constant stepping and leaning can help tone muscles in the legs, as well.
Salsa-Style Group Classes
Salsa-style group exercise classes are another way to get fit with salsa dancing. Check out the schedule at your local gym, community center or community college to find salsa fitness classes that you can join. This is a great way to put a fun twist on what may be an otherwise boring workout. Salsa dance exercise classes vary from location to location. Try out a few of these classes at different locations to get a feel for what you like and to make sure you find a class you are comfortable with.
Zumba Fitness
Zumba classes are a twist on traditional salsa dancing. Done without a partner, this high-intensity, fun workout class uses some traditional salsa moves and combines them with other fitness moves for a workout that is supposed to be a fun twist on the traditional dance. Although every body is different, the Zumba website boasts that this type of salsa exercise dance can burn hundreds of calories per hour.
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