Cardio Dance Workouts

Cardio dance workouts feature fast steps and repetitive movements that are performed in sync with music. Many individuals choose these exercises over weightlifting because the workouts tend to be more enjoyable. Dancing as a cardio exercise elevates your heart rate, tones your muscles, burns fat and increases your overall flexibility. If you are interested in a fun workout routine, try dancing as your cardio exercise.

  1. Be Prepared

    • Before you start any exercise routine, make sure your doctor clears you first, especially if you have health conditions involving joint pain or heart complications. Dancing can be strenuous, as it involves sweating, fast-paced moving, jumping, and spinning; so make sure you get the "go ahead" from your physician. Purchase aerobic exercise shoes that will protect your feet and ankles from the constant movement and impact when you are dancing.

      Before you sign up for a class, ask if you can meet the instructor. Make sure she is licensed and experienced. Ask her about the intensity of the class and workouts, and the style in which she teaches. If you are starting with a beginner class, make sure the workouts are focused on unused muscles, and built up gradually over the course of weeks. Each class you consider should have a warm up and cool down time. Don't feel intimidated and pressured if other members of the class seem to be more proficient in certain exercises. You will still be able to reap the cardiac and health benefits by performing any type of aerobic workout.

    Jazzercise

    • Jazzercise workouts include basic dance steps with popular music. The movements include steps such as lunges, knee lifts and plies, as well as various sideways motions. While you don't have to be an expert dancer to get the most out of jazzercise classes, you can strengthen your core, increase your flexibility and burn calories while participating in a jazzercise class. One hour-long class should help you burn up to 500 calories. If you can't attend a Jazzercise class in your local gym, you can purchase workout tapes to follow in the comfort of your own home.

    Zumba

    • Zumba is a combination of Latin dance moves and music and resistance training. Followers claim that Zumba gives off a party atmosphere, as the workouts are high-energy but engaging and enjoyable. While the moves are simple, the repetition will help you see results. Choose a Zumba class that offers routines that focus on all the major muscle groups. While all aerobic exercises elevate your breathing and heart rates, followers of Zumba enjoy the musical, upbeat dance steps as opposed to more traditional workouts. If you would rather exercise at home, you can purchase Zumba DVDs online or in stores.

    Make Your Own

    • If you don't have money or a lot of time to devote to a workout, consider creating your own exercise routines. All you need is a radio, stereo or iPod and some basic dance steps. Even slow to moderate activity will help to increase your heart rate. Start with moves such as a knee lifts, squats, lunges or rock your hips. A grapevine is also a fun way to start, in which you move three steps to the left, tap your right foot, then step three times to the right and tap your left foot. Make sure you have fast-paced music with a strong beat, and begin lifting your arms and moving your hips. Don't forget to include a 10-minute warm-up period and do brisk walking, jumping jacks or stretches. Make sure your workout lasts for about 30 minutes, and spend the last 10 minutes cooling down by stretching or walking again.