Dance to Lose Weight: Six Fun, Effective Styles

A new trend in fitness is classes where participants dance to lose weight. Though dancing has been around a long time, structured dancing fitness classes are relatively new, and many gyms and community centers now offer a wide variety of dance fitness classes that allow you to have fun and learn a dance style (while getting in shape and losing weight).

How Dancing Improves Fitness

Dancing is a great cardiovascular activity that helps with stress management, improving your overall health and well-being. Its benefits are far reaching; it improves muscle tone and coordination, improves circulation and helps to build endurance and stamina. Additionally, the effects of the aerobic activity have been proven to lower the risk of heart disease and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Dance Style #1: Belly Dancing

This low impact dancing is great for toning muscles and improving strength and coordination. Though it may not be as aerobic as other styles, belly dancing is a great class to take to strengthen and stretch your thighs, hips, torso and stomach.

Dance Style #2: Hip Hop

Utilizing the latest dance and hip hop music, this is a high energy workout that will teach you the latest club and music video moves. A great dance workout, hip hop classes are good for both beginners and veterans, and the instructors generally are very thorough in breaking down the moves so that everyone can learn them in real time (before setting them to the fast-paced music).

Dance Style #3: Zumba

No partner is needed for this new type of dance class offered by many gyms. Focusing on the Latin beat, this dance workout combines Salsa, Reggaeton and more styles of music to fuse a lively dance workout that is suitable for all skill and fitness levels.

Dance Style #4: Ballroom

There are many varieties of ballroom classes available, but for the best aerobic fitness, check out the Latin American dance infused ballroom classes to learn the newest duo moves. Some ballroom classes require a partner, while others do not, so be sure to check before signing up for a class.

Dance Style #5: Bollywood

A growing dance workout class, Bollywood dance classes teach the choreographed Bhangra-based dancing of Bollywood movies. These classes generally include a variety of modern Indian dance with street styled choreography as popularized by the growing Bollywood interest in America.

Dance Style #6: African Dance

These classes generally feature a combination of contemporary and traditional African dance forms and are extremely aerobic. Also suitable for beginners, as well as more practiced dancers, this is a fun dance form to study and features an introduction to some great music and culture.

Dancing is a growing trend in fitness because it is both a great workout and fun to do. Energize your body and soul with a dance workout class. Strap on some comfortable shoes and get moving now!

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