Who says that exercise has to consist of the same boring old Stairmaster runs and cycling classes? Do something that breaks the routine, and raises your level of commitment because it’s actually fun! Dance is one such activity, and there are many different styles of this that appeal to particular sensibilities.
The best way to get yourself up for it is to get the necessary accessories. Much like buying a new Nike gym bag can get you excited for the intramural basketball league at the YMCA, buying dance jackets and hip hop gear can rev up your engine for a class at your local gym.
Have You Considered Pole Dancing?
There’s a reason why the popularity of pole dancing is growing by leaps and bounds. The stigma has long left this art form; particularly since it’s just an artistic routine that doesn’t have to leave the gym if you don’t want it to. You’ll work your way up to being able to twirl around the pole – but don’t expect to be able to do that at the very beginning unless you’re already a fitness expert.
All it takes to get ready is your usual fitness gear – check with the nearby class; you want to be certain there aren’t special requirements. The aerobic benefit may not be clear from looking at it, but pole dancing targets many muscles that aren’t frequently used. You’ll definitely feel as though you’ve been in a workout afterwards.
Salsa Dance
This passionate form of dance is Latin in origin, and requires vigorous hip movement to really make it work. Salsa is often lauded as the most sensual form of dance, and really drives to the heart of what dance is really meant to…simulate. As you might expect, salsa classes tend to be very people-oriented, so you should expect to make quite a few extraverted friends while you’re there.
You can find a salsa class at gyms, dance studios and recreational centers if you live in or close to just about any major city. Opt for tennis shoes instead of the admittedly sexier heels so that you get the moves down pat without hurting yourself.
Hip Hop Dance Classes Are In Effect
If the name itself sounds like the kind of thing that would get your cardiovascular system into high gear, then you’re right – hip hop dance classes are high-octane, non-stop gyrations to a heavy bass beat (usually). It’s guaranteed to be vigorous, so if you’ve been out of practice running or swimming for a while, it might be best to try something a bit slower-paced. Of course, there are also beginner hip hop classes, so you needn’t wait until you’re in shape to start.
Zumba – A Fusion of Many Cultures
There’s a reason why Zumba is simply the most popular dance class in America – indeed, in the world. There are hundreds of thousands of classes in hundreds of countries all around the world, and Zumba has become a bit of a cultural phenomenon in the 15 years since it debuted.
The dance moves are a fusion of African, Creole and Latin movements, all played out to the most popular musical tunes of the present day. You can find a studio in any city – big or small – and the instructors there should be certified. You’ll will definitely get a workout in a Zumba class.
Get your dance class gym bag picked out, and the few items of preparation you’ll need. There’s no reason you have to take the fun out of working out – you’ll experience the beneficial changes before you know it, since you’ll be having fun along the way.