The Disadvantages of Dance Aerobics

Aerobics has come a long way since its introduction in the 1960s. Modern dance aerobics incorporates sizzling moves from a range of cultures -- there really is something for everybody out there. But there are a few potential downsides to watch out for, buried in all the fun of sweating to your favorite tunes or imagining that you've made it to the finals of “So You Think You Can Dance” with your cool moves.

  1. Music

    • The upbeat music in most dance aerobics classes encourages you to work out harder and can even make challenging workouts seem easier. But you're not in control of the music -- the instructor is. If the volume is too high or low, or if you don't like the instructor's picks, the class won't be much fun. Minimize this downside by choosing a class and instructor that parallel your taste in music, and don't be shy about mentioning volume issues.

    Impact

    • Dance is usually considered low-impact exercise, which makes it perfect for those with osteoporosis and other joint problems that might be aggravated by repeated pounding. But watch out -- some high-intensity dance classes may involve high-impact jumping around. Any time both of your feet leave the ground at once, you're in for a jolt when you land. If you know high-impact exercise isn't good for you, mitigate this risk by keeping at least one foot on the ground at all times.

    Self-Consciousness

    • Shaking your booty to great music, in a room full of people who are themselves too busy dancing to judge, is an opportunity for even the shiest of people to let loose in a safe environment. Even if dancing doesn't come naturally to you, the fun is in trying -- and if you keep trying, you'll eventually get the moves. But if you find yourself truly unable to let go of your anxiety or self-consciousness when dancing in a group, you might be more comfortable rocking out at home to a DVD version of the dance genre.

    Crowds

    • The most popular dance aerobics classes fill up fast. In a way, that's wonderful -- if the room is packed, you know you've probably found the best combination of music and moves. But dance instructors are already monitoring many factors -- and students -- at once. So the more crowded the class is, the less direct supervision and individual attention you get from the instructor. There's also the real possibility of catching an arm across the face or an elbow to the ribs if your neighbor in a crowded class gets carried away.