Staying active is a crucial part of taking care of your body. Regular physical activity is proven to benefit heart health, maintain a healthy weight, and boost emotional and mental stability. It’s important to remember that staying healthy and active isn’t limited to lifting weights or joining your local gym, either. There are plenty of ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine while keeping things fun and exciting, like dancing. In fact, aerobic dancing has become a widely popular and effective fitness activity as it couples cardio and bodyweight movements with music to create an invigorating and unique workout. Here are a few fun aerobic dance activities to consider if you’re looking to add some excitement to your fitness routine.

Zumba

Zumba was created by Columbian dance instructor Beto Perez in the late 1990s. By the early 2000s, the Zumba Fitness craze took-off. What was once a simple aerobic dance concept is now an internationally known fitness program that has proven to be fun and effective. Zumba combines styles of Latin, Salsa, and other international music and couples it with fast and slow rhythmic dance moves. The program uses both fast and slow rhythms for interval-like training that works well for burning calories. It’s a great way to tone muscle and increase oxygen flow. You can practice Zumba in a studio or gym facility that offers classes or from the comfort of your own home. 

Jazzercise

The Jazzercise fitness trend is one of the longest-running programs to date. Originating in the 1970s, Jazzercise has proven to have multiple health benefits and provides participants with a fast-paced aerobic workout that promotes muscle building and burning up to 800 calories in just 60 minutes; it’s also been linked to a reducing the risk of heart disease. Instructors are trained to teach dance moves in an easy-to-understand way, so this course is perfect for participants of all dance levels. 

Ball Room Dance

If you’re seeking an option that requires a partner, ballroom dancing is the way to go. With several styles to choose from, ballroom dancing is a very versatile form of aerobic dance. Depending on what style you’re practicing, routines can have quick light-weight foot movements or require significant flexibility and muscle strength for different lifts and turns. The intricate routines and steps are also a great way to sharpen your mind and memory. 

Hip-Hop Aerobics 

Hip-Hop dance is a fun and generally fast-paced way to boost your energy and stamina while burning excess calories. Like other dance forms, it has both aerobic and anaerobic benefits from coupling intense cardio with strength building, specifically in your core and lower body. With hip-hop dance, you can practice different routines or work on freestyle movements for added creativity.