Cardio Dance Exercises

Cardio dance exercises incorporate the use of repetitive movement to music. This type of exercise offers a way to make fitness more enjoyable. Dance offers many benefits to the body including elevating heart rate, increasing flexibility, toning and burning fat. Cardio dance can be the ticket to beginning a regular exercise routine that inspires and suits you perfectly. Let's look at some of the different types of cardio dance exercise.

  1. The Right Ingredients

    • Safety should be your primary concern when undertaking any exercise regimen. Wear aerobic shoes to protect your ankles, feet and knees from the impact involved in dance. Cardio exercise means you will be moving, sweating, hopping, and bopping your way through a hard workout. If you have any issues with joint pain, heart conditions or other health problems, consult your doctor before beginning.

      Choose a licensed, experienced instructor if you plan to take a class. Meet with the instructor for specific information about the style and intensity of the class. Beginners should choose low-impact cardio classes that gradually work unused muscles. Every class should include warm-up/cool down period. If you continue with your classes faithfully, you'll be able to move up to a higher-impact class.

    Zumba

    • Zumba offers individuals the dance party they've always wanted. Zumba classes are high-energy and serious workouts paired with a fun, party-like atmosphere. Zumba instructors offer various types of popular Latin-based music for routines. Moves are simple and repetitive but you'll achieve excellent results. The best Zumba classes offer varied intensities to the routines to work all major muscle groups, you heart and lungs. If you choose to exercise at home, Zumba DVDs can be found online or in stores.

    Jazzercise

    • Jazzercise incorporates basic dance movements with current popular music for a fun and effective cardio workout. These simple moves include common jazz dance motions such as knee lifts, lunges, plies and sideways movements. Instructors don't expect every participant to be a skilled dancer, just willing to learn and enjoy these classes. You'll strengthen your whole body, burn fat and calories and increase flexibility with Jazzercise. According to Jazzercise.com, you can burn up to 500 calories during an hourlong class. Just as with Zumba, stores sell Jazzercise dance videos for all levels of fitness. Some dance cardio routines can be found on the Internet as well. See Resources for more information.

    Create Your Own Routines

    • If you're pressed for money or time, just click on your radio or iPod and get dancing. Cardio workouts involve strenuous exercise but you don't need a structured class or video. Pick five good standing moves such as lunges, squats, knee lifts, grapevines (three steps to the left and tap, three steps to the right and tap) and hip rocks. Add some good music and get moving. Lift your arms, swing your hips and work your way to fitness in the comfort of your home. Make sure your workouts include a 10-minute warm-up of light stretches, jumping jacks and light running. Dance for 20 to 30 minutes and cool down for another 10 minutes.