Weight loss is a topic that never goes out of style, and there is always research being done to find new and improved ways to achieve this goal. The standard forms of exercise like walking, running and bicycling can become monotonous after a while. Fortunately, there are plenty of dance workouts offered at chain gyms, studios and on DVD to help you lose weight while having fun.
Zumba
Zumba is one of the hottest dance crazes in the country. It incorporates a mixture of rumba, merengue and hip hop dances to the sound of Latin music, for a total body aerobic workout. Another advantage to Zumba is that the moves are simple and do not require prior dance training to execute. Zumba is offered in most gym chains, as well as on DVDs.
Salsa
The American College of Sports Medicine says that salsa dancing can improve fitness and speed up your metabolism. Like Zumba, it is a Latin dance workout; however, the moves range from beginner to advanced. A basic salsa move involves stepping out to the side with one foot and back to the center and repeating the step with the opposite foot. While you are stepping, your hips circle around in a clockwise motion. Once you progress, you can learn more difficult salsa moves and improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. Salsa dance can be learned in a studio setting or with instructional DVDs.
Jazzercise
The official Jazzercise website claims this workout can burn up to 600 calories in an hour. The Jazzercise program was founded over 40 years ago, making it one of the oldest dance workouts. Jazzercise is effective for body shaping and weight loss because it combines jazz dance moves with weight training. Most workouts also incorporate some yoga moves to lengthen muscles to help develop a true dancer's body. A few gyms offer Jazzercise, and some independent fitness instructors teach classes.
Belly Dancing
Belly dancing has been around for thousands of years, but in the modern day it is a great dance workout to tone your core muscles. Belly dancing involves controlled isometric moves to strengthen the back, hips and abdominals, while elevating your heart rate and burning calories at the same time. Belly dance classes are not mainstream enough for most gyms; however, dance studios offer classes and you can also learn belly dancing with DVDs.
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