3 Most Popular Dance Workout Routines

By Jonathan Bales , last updated January 20, 2012

Dancing has become an extremely popular way to work out, as people tend to shed far more pounds when they are having fun. There are all sorts of fun dance workout routines that are designed to be enjoyable and effective. Dancing requires the usage of just about every muscle in your body, so it is great for burning calories and toning muscles. Many people can burn 400 calories or more while performing dance workouts. Not all dances are created equally, with some emphasizing different muscles, some being more effective, and so on. Read on for information on three of the most popular dance workout routines today.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing has seen a boom in popularity in recent years due to the hit television show Dancing With the Stars. Ballroom dancing is great because it is an option for all skill levels. Dances like salsa are tremendous for advanced dancers, as they require quick motion and a high level of energy expenditure. There are many other slower-paced dances that can help beginners shed weight until they are ready to tackle a more challenging dance. Ballroom dancing builds up bone density, increases balance and flexibility, improves coordination, and tones muscles. If you have seen Dancing With the Stars, you know how challenging the task can be.

Zumba

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance that is all the craze these days. Zumba mixes Latin music with unique dances and resistance training to create a challenging full-body workout. Zumba is actually a form of interval training, which has been shown to burn fat faster than any other training type out there. Interval training is the implementation of bursts of high-intensity work with lower-intensity training to build muscle and rid your body of fat.

Zumba is also popular because the dance moves are easy to follow. Combined with the resistance training, the aerobic work involved in the dancing creates a workout that is not only difficult, but also enjoyable. Best of all, the popularity of Zumba means finding a class near you should be a piece of cake. Even if you have never performed the dance, you will be able to join in and work out almost immediately.

Belly Dancing

Belly dancing has become popular recently because it shapes your core and provides an aerobic workout superior to hitting the treadmill or elliptical. The ancient art has been transformed into an effective workout routine, with those who perform it regularly burning 300 calories in a workout. Belly dancing works your abdominal muscles unlike any other dance, requiring the use of all of your core. It is fun in which to partake due to the pulsating music and sexy dance moves. Best of all, it can be performed by beginners and experts alike. While it may take some time to learn all of the moves, you can at least give them a try right away. Actually, belly dancing is a great workout for pregnant women, as it is low impact and works the muscles that will be needed during childbirth.

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