Dancing for Fitness: Using Dance as a Health and Fitness Routine

Dancing for Fitness: Using Dance as a Health and Fitness Routine

I have only been doing dance routines for my health and fitness which I find so much fun. I have discovered that dancing is very good for my heart and helps with my balance, coordination, and overall mental health. I target to burn at least 200 to 250 calories in a 30-minute dancing class. This is the same as a 30-minutes cardio workout so why not dance, have fun and stay fit at the same time. This article will outline the benefits and types of dance workouts that can help anyone achieve their healthy body versions.

==benefits of Using dance as a Health and Fitness Routine==

As a distinct form of cardio, I have been able to attain various benefits on my overall health, which include:

Maintaining my desired body weight.

Increased heart health

Gained stronger and lean muscles

Increased strength on bones

Improved self-esteem

Better balance and coordination

Relieve stress and anxiety

I get to sleep better.

Improved endurance, balance, and coordination.

== Types of dance workout==

For years I have been able to learn several ways to exercise as a dancer. I mostly dance to my favorites songs. However, there are several choreographed routines styles to work out. Below are a few of them.

==Barre==

This is a fitness program inspired by ballet. The dance involves high repetitions of workouts which is aimed at increasing endurance. Barre moves are adopted from yoga, Pilates, and ballet. These exercises mainly make use of your body weight are done at a ballet barre. They are aimed at toning the muscles and simultaneously, improving the overall strength of the body. Barre technique includes;

Plie.

Plie is a basic move that engages the upper leg muscles like the quads and the glutes.

Arabesque leg lift

This exercise is inspired by a classic ballet move, which is known as arabesque. It works same way as the arabesque by toning the glutes and the thigh muscles.

==Pilates==

This routine is slightly low impact. It improves the stability, flexibility, and endurance of the body. The dance focuses on muscle strength, core, and postural alignment. The dance is great for toning the muscles. Many moves that are dance inspired by Pilates include;

Plies slide

They work on the thigh muscles, which include the quads and glutes. It is a combination of basic ballet positions with an extra leg movement.

Pilates roll up

A standard Pilate roll up moves works on the back and the abs. The workout is very great for building upper body strength and stability.

==Zumba==

For a high-energy workout I work out using Zumba. It includes aerobics and some dance moves of Latin American descent. Zumba involves the whole body workout which is a great workout for my entire body. The dance has helped me in toning my muscles and improving my overall body endurance and strength. Some of Zumba dance moves include;

Bicep bounce

The technique increases the heart rate while working the biceps and hamstrings. One can perform the routine with or without weights.

Slides

Slides help you work out your legs and arms. They also help raise your heart rate, which is great for the heart and the lungs.

==Step aerobics==

The step aerobics combines upbeat music with choreographed moves and a slightly raised platform. The dance engages the muscles and keeps the heart pumping. The workout helps strengthen the stability and coordination, and toning of leg, thigh, and glutes muscles. Basic moves for this workout includes;

Basic right

This involves stepping up the raised platform repeatedly. To do a basic right, one must lead with the right foot and vice versa for the left foot.