Aerobic Dance Step Movements

Aerobic dance is a way to exercise aerobically using dance steps to music. This form of exercise became very popular in the 1970s and '80s with dance studios and gymnasiums offering aerobic dance classes. Aerobic dance classes are usually done on a wood dance floor or gym floor wearing tennis shoes with dance moves that can be very easy or get quite intense.

  1. History

    • In the 1980s aerobic dance steps were first organized into a class setting by Judi Sheppard Missett in the form of a dance-fitness class called Jazzercise. The term "Aerobic Dance" was invented to label this new and exciting from of exercise by Jacki Sorensen who also started Aerobic Dance classes for the non-dancer. Aerobic Dance classes started springing up all over the United States and were a very popular form of exercise.

    Movements

    • Aerobic dance is a combination of traditional exercise movements combined with dance steps. For example, high knee running, grapevines, v-steps, ham curls and jumping jacks. Aerobic dance can be done high intensity with a lot of jumping where both feet come off the floor or can be done very low intensity. The speed of the music and the aerobic dance instructor will usually determine the intensity. Different aerobic dance classes have different styles such as Latin and jazz.

    Types

    • Aerobic dance has evolved into many formats. One of the biggest changes became a new type of class called step aerobics. Participants use a platform to step up and down, dancing to the 32 count of music. Other types of aerobic dance are: hi/lo aerobics, cardio dance aerobics, cardio sculpting (lifting weights while moving) and International dance style classes. Dance aerobics is fun and can usually be done by a person with no dance experience. The teacher will teach the moves to the students during class.

    Benefits

    • The benefits of aerobic dance are the participant's cardiovascular and aerobic health is improved. You can have fun while you are exercising enabling you to control or lose weight. You can burn between 200 and 600 calories in one aerobic dance class. You can learn new dance steps and improve coordination and agility. To increase the health benefits, do aerobic dance 3 to 4 times a week for at least 35 minutes.

    Precautions

    • Before starting any aerobic dance or exercise routine you should always check with a physician.