Dancing is fun! There’s no doubt about it. That’s why it’s a massive part of the going out experience, culture, and so much more. But did you know it’s a great workout too? Dancing helps get your body moving and your heart pumping, delivering exceptional results for your entire body. So without any delay, let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to dance your way to fitness.
What is a dance workout?
During the 2020 lockdown, we might’ve been more likely to pull on our PJs instead of hitting the dance floor, but that doesn’t mean you need to get out of your groove.
Dance can make an excellent workout, whether you’re doing it in a pair of stilettos with your girls, at the club with the guys, or at home in a pair of tried and tested sneakers.
A dance workout can be anything from hitting the music and rocking out to some tunes freestyle to a specific style of dance workout from Ballet to Zumba to Hip Hop. No matter which style you choose, it’s likely that you’ll work your entire body from top to toe.
You will engage your core to balance and move, helping to tone those stomach muscles. This is supported by your back and spine. You’ll need these muscles not only to look great but also to support your movements and keep your body shape strong.
Unless you’re Irish dancing, you’ll need to work those arms in a dance workout. Many activities require specific movements with the arm muscles so you will improve coordination and strength. Moving right down to those glutes, as you bend, twist and move, your dance workout will enhance the muscle tone in your glute area, leaving you with an enviable behind after you’re done.
And, of course, last but not least, those all-important legs as you move to the beat your legs will need to keep pace. Not only does this mean balance, depending on your moves, but you also work on toning those leg muscles.
Benefits of a dance workout
Aside from working all your muscle groups, your dance workout has some major benefits for your body and soul. So what can you get by hitting the (home) dance floor?
Helps your heart
Dancing is a cardio workout. This means it gets your heart pumping and strengthens the cardiac muscles overall. In the long-term, this gives you a healthier, happier heart. Just one reason to love dancing.
Boosts your mood
Ever feel tired, bored, or just plain down? Dance and turn that mood around. This low-stress workout makes you feel happier as you engage your entire body and move to the beat. During exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals which give you a mood boost during and after exercise.
Good for your brain
It’s not just your mood that benefits. Recent research has shown that the part of the brain that engages in remembering routines and dance steps can help protect the brain against age-related disorders and Parkinson’s disease.
Increases overall fitness
A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for your health. It can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. Getting moving with a dance workout lowers your risk, keeps you in shape and is good for your overall health. Plus, it’s fantastic for burning calories too.
Improves flexibility and coordination
To match those moves you need to follow instructions and bend your body in ways like never before. This helps improve your coordination and flexibility and gives you lasting effects.
Where to find a workout?
Sure, you can dance anywhere, at any time, but if you’re looking for a specific workout or style you need to know precisely where to go. Here’s a little more about dance workout types and where to find them.
Freestyle
This is the at-home version. Just hit the tunes, grab your mat and move your body to the beat. There are no rules here, so whether you want to flail your body about randomly, add in workout-style moves or go with the flow, this is up to you.
What freestyle is great for?
Great for getting your body moving and reducing day-to-day stress. If you need a break from that 9-to-5 feeling, just getting up and dancing can be the break you need to hit reset and get back to doing your best work.
What to expect from your routine?
As freestyle is entirely up to you, it’s what you make of it. It can be as intense or relaxed as you like. The main thing here is to feel good with what you’re doing. While freestyle is fun, if you’re looking for a more solid workout, it might be time to try something else.
Local class
If you simply need to be around real people and have that interaction. Then looking for a local dance class might be for you. There are lots of styles to choose from, so find one that suits your fitness needs and that you also find fun.
What a local class is great for?
Easy to follow examples of how to do the moves right. You also get instant feedback from your trainer so you reduce the risk of injury from a move gone wrong.
What to expect from your routine?
Depending on the size of your class and type, you may find a lot or very little attention from your teacher. If you choose something like ballroom dancing, you may find yourself working with a partner, whereas with Zumba, for example, you may dance alone.
Guided workout with
has recently introduced a brand-new workout to our app. And we can’t tell you how excited we are about it! Specially designed by Mike Peele, choreographer to the stars, our latest, long-awaited addition delivers 3-levels of Hip Hop that will rock your body and boost your mood.
What a guided workout with is great for?
For those who want the professional touch, but don’t want to leave the house. Why would you even have to? ’s guided dance workout allows you to get energetic to the beat in the comfort of your living room and get fit while having tons of fun.
What to expect from your routine?
Our guided workout comes in 3 levels that increase in intensity and fun to give you an overall body workout. Mike specially designed this program to add in simple Hip Hop moves that you can use any time, any place. You can do your routine at home and self-correct by watching Mike’s moves on the screen. This gives you flexibility and time to take a rest when you need it.
