If you're not feeling right or it takes more than a few minutes to get back to 'normal,' check with your doctor before continuing.

If you have a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, take note of how you feel before, during, and after dancing. If you can't afford classes, try a dance workout DVD or follow an online video at home. What Physical Therapist Ross Brakeville Says:ĭepending on the style, you can improve your heart health, joint mobility, strength, balance/coordination, and an overall sense of well-being, making dance good for most everyone. Some classes will require specific shoes for others (like hip hop) all you need are sneakers. Most dance classes are taught in studios.Įquipment required? It depends. It doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen eventually! If you're just starting out, give yourself time to learn the moves. There are dance classes aimed at beginners. What Else Should I Know?Ĭost: Free if you already know how, or the cost of classes if you want lessons at a studio. Dancing can be a high-or low-impact workout depending on the style of dancing. You can enter dance competitions, but dance can be purely social or artistic. You won't be lifting weights, but your body weight counts, helping to build muscle strength. The more up-tempo the dance style, the better it is for your heart. Most dance-inspired workouts include moves that improve flexibility.Īerobic: Yes. Dance uses your core muscles, including those in your back. Hip hop dancing and ballet include moves that engage the glutes.īack: Yes. The choreography will have you doing moves that work your lower body, including your quads and hamstrings. Although most dances focus on your lower body, you're also using your arms. Depending on the type of dance you choose, some of the steps/moves will engage the core muscles.Īrms: Yes. All of them will use your whole body and will challenge your brain as you learn the choreography and form. Fast-moving dance styles like hip hop and salsa are more intense than slower dances like the tango or waltz. The intensity depends on the type of dance you choose. With dance-inspired workouts ranging from ballroom and ballet to hip hop and club dance classes, you’ll never be bored! Intensity Level: Medium The focus might be on the footwork, but the series of leaps, turns, shimmies, and cha-chas engage the entire body. Your teacher will lead you through a series of choreographed steps.

It's good for your heart, it makes you stronger, and it can help with balance and coordination.Ī 30-minute dance class burns between 130 and 250 calories, about the same as jogging. Get ready to hit the dance floor! Dancing is a whole-body workout that's actually fun.

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