Because aerobic activity is a recommended part of a healthy lifestyle, fitness experts began developing activities that could motivate you to workout. Jazzercise and aerobic dancing are two options that provide a cardiovascular workout using movements and choreographed steps. Although both classes aim to get you moving, increase your heart and breathing rates, and help you burn calories, they differ in several ways.
Jazzercise
Judi Sheppard Missett developed the Jazzercise concept 1969 to bring jazz dancing to the general population. Over the decades, the class has developed into a blend of several disciplines, including jazz, kickboxing, hip-hop, yoga and Pilates. Classes typically last 60 minutes and aim to give you a cardiovascular, muscle-strengthening and muscle-stretching workout. Depending on your health and ability, you can burn up to 600 calories in one 60-minute class.
Aerobic Dancing
Aerobic dancing is more of an exercise category than a specific class. Aerobic dancing can take many forms, all incorporating dance steps to provide a cardiovascular workout. Aerobic dancing also began in the late 1960s, and peaked with the aerobics craze of the 1980s. More commonly known as "aerobics," varieties of aerobic dance include low-impact, high-impact with steps, water aerobics and dance classes. Aerobic dancing can incorporate any genre of dance, like country line dancing or hip-hop, as well as combine movements with the use of weights and other equipment.
Similarities
Jazzercise is similar to aerobic dancing and may even be considered a type of aerobic dance. Jazzercise works large muscle groups and provides an aerobic workout through dance and choreographed movements. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, aerobic dancing typically includes a 60-minute workout set to music with warmup and stretching; peaks with 20 to 30 minutes of target heart-range dance, potentially including 20 minutes of body sculpting; and ends with five to10 minutes of cool-down. Jazzercise classes often incorporate all of these elements.
Potential Differences
Jazzercise is a franchise that offers a variety of classes with a variety of fitness goals taught by Jazzercise-certified instructors. You can choose the original Jazzercise class that is all about dancing and music, or you can try the Bodysculpting, Express or Circuit options. Aerobic dancing classes can also incorporate weights and other types of training, but will not have the Jazzercise-specific instructors, movements or music.
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