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What is Dance Aerobics?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Dance aerobics is a type of fitness program where one dances for the purpose of increasing physical fitness. To get aerobic benefits from any workout, it is necessary to increase the heart rate for a sustained period of time; this improves cardiovascular health by increasing the endurance of the heart and lungs. Dancing can be an excellent aerobic activity, as well as a lot of fun.

There are many ways to use dance aerobics to create a workout routine. Many gyms and fitness centers offer group classes in dance aerobics; this can be helpful for someone who has never really danced or done an aerobic workout before, because the instructor can provide helpful direction and ideas for new moves. The energy of the class can help increase one's own energy level as well.

Stay hydrated when exercising.
Stay hydrated when exercising.

Another option for dance aerobics is to purchase a DVD. Workout DVDs exist for virtually any style of dance or music, and are easy to do in one's own home. This is a less expensive option than a class at the gym, and is a good option for those who have less time to work out, or for those who are embarrassed easily. The final and simplest option for a dance workout is to simply turn on some favorite, upbeat music and dance! As long as the body is moving and the heart rate is up, it counts as an aerobic activity. The particular style or accuracy of the moves is unimportant in this respect.

Ballroom dancing is a great way to workout and have fun.
Ballroom dancing is a great way to workout and have fun.

There are many benefits to aerobics aside from the cardiovascular benefits. First, dancing works the whole body, including the arms, legs, and torso muscles. It is an excellent way to tone muscles over the entire body. Second, dancing is done inside, so one can get an aerobic workout no matter the weather; exercising inside is also safer than exercising outside. Finally, many people find dance aerobics to be more fun than other types of aerobic workouts, such as running or bicycling, and when a workout is more fun, one is more likely to continue doing it.

Many gyms offer group dance aerobics classes.
Many gyms offer group dance aerobics classes.

When doing dance aerobics, it is necessary to invest in a good, supportive pair of sneakers that will help to absorb any impact from jumping. As with any exercise program, it is important to warm up and cool down with some gentle stretches, and remember to stay hydrated. The options for aerobics are virtually limitless, and it can be a great way to get in shape and have fun at the same time.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

@croydon - I don't disagree, but on the other hand that would take a lot of time. I'd rather just pay $30 and get a dance aerobics DVD that's been ready made for me and which targets the areas I want to target.

Besides, I find that most of the videos that are freely available online are either too short, or not very good quality. I'd rather just get the good quality ones.

croydon

@pastanaga - I would recommend skipping the purchase of a dance aerobics video and just going online to find moves. You can put them to your own music and be much happier.

I don't mean that people shouldn't go and join a group if they want, since that's obviously going to be more fun than dancing by yourself at home. But, there's no reason you can't make up your own dance aerobics choreography, seeing as that's basically all that the people who invented it have done.

pastanaga

Remember that dance aerobics isn't always going to be called dance aerobics. There are all kinds of popular exercises (and they change with the seasons) that are basically dance aerobics moves with a different name.

So I would do a it of research on them before buying a DVD or anything, because popular does not always mean effective and it might not be immediately obvious what actually happens in the workouts.

A lot of them will have a few sample workouts on the DVD website, or on Youtube, so it's worth checking those out.

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    • Stay hydrated when exercising.
      By: studiovespa
      Stay hydrated when exercising.
    • Ballroom dancing is a great way to workout and have fun.
      By: Dancer01
      Ballroom dancing is a great way to workout and have fun.
    • Many gyms offer group dance aerobics classes.
      By: .shock
      Many gyms offer group dance aerobics classes.
    • There are many ways to use dance aerobics to create a workout routine.
      By: michaeljung
      There are many ways to use dance aerobics to create a workout routine.