Fun Cardio: Dance Your Way to a Great Body
Cardio is a great way to workout and burn calories. The hard part about cardio, though? It can sometimes be a little bit boring. Walking, running, biking...these are the most common forms of cardio, and no doubt, these can get a little bit dull after a while. To get in some fun cardio that really works the body, try dance! Check out these great benefits of picking up dance as part of your regular cardio routine.
You Burn a Lot of Calories
Dance burns more calories than many other forms of cardio. It takes both slow, methodical movements, and also quick bursts of energy. Because of this shift in movements, it works similarly to high intensity interval training. You burn calories the entire time, but through those explosive movements, you burn massive amounts. As you turn to the slower, more methodical movements, your body continues to burn off calories. In an hour long dance session, you can potentially burn hundreds of calories without even realizing it.
You Use All Muscle Groups
Depending on the kind of dance you choose, you can work every muscle in your body. Especially with some of the more physically taxing forms of dance, you might work muscles you didn’t even know you had! You’re likely to leave a dance session sore, tired, and stretched more than you’ve been in years. Because it works both the small and large muscles groups, dance gives you an awesome workout from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
You Have a Lot of Options
One of the best things about dance as cardio is that you have so many options to choose from. The list is long, and because of that you’re likely to find something that you enjoy. Ballet, hip hop, salsa...these are just a few on a very long list of fun and difficult dances. Look at your local gym or dance studio to see what options are out there for you.
It’s Fun
This might not seem like that much of a bonus, but in the long run, it’s going to do you a lot of good. When something is fun, you’re much more likely to stick with it long term. You will burn more calories, work towards a fit body, all while having the time of your life. With exercise, fun and taxing is the best kind.
Dance is something that we pick up when we’re young, dancing through the house and in the shower, and then we lose it as adults. Instead, get back to your inner child and use this fun form of exercise to get fit and healthy. Dance your way to a great body and a healthy life.
Image Credit:
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Thomas Quine