Dancing may not seem like the most obvious activity to help you lose weight, but it’s a surprisingly good way to shed some pounds if you do it right. Several dance forms have been shown to help you lose weight and keep it off in the long run! Read on to learn more about five of these dance forms and how they can help you slim down.
1) Cardio
If you’re looking to burn a ton of calories, few forms of exercise are better than a dance-based cardio workout. Dance is a fantastic option for those who have ever wanted to lose weight without ever stepping foot in a gym. It involves full-body movement, allowing you to burn calories faster and without risking injury instead of other forms of exercise.
2) Ballet
Ballet is often touted as a great way to burn calories and improve flexibility. However, it can also help you develop your muscle tone, making your legs more appealing and toned. If you’re new to ballet, check out these five ways ballet can help you lose weight. For example, if you are an advanced dancer who wants to further up your game, try going for more complicated steps. Advanced dancers often push themselves by attempting more complex moves than they would typically do in class or at home on their own time. As they work through these moves, they get better at executing them, but they will also build lean muscles in their calves and thighs.
3) Burlesque Dance
Burlesque’s popularity has been on an upswing in recent years, and there are many reasons why. If you’re looking for a way to burn calories and spice up your night, burlesque is just what you need. By adding some energy and dance moves to your workout routine, you will be getting more out of it, but you can also lose weight. All that shaking builds muscle! A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that dancing (burlesque included) burns around 210 calories per hour. If that isn’t enough motivation to get off your feet and start dancing…
4) Belly Dancing
With gentle, rhythmic movements and aerobic exercise, belly dancing is an excellent way to lose weight while toning your abs and lower body. Before starting a belly-dancing program, be sure to take some time to learn basic movements; if you’re looking for guidance, try taking a class or watching instructional videos on YouTube. Once you feel comfortable with your moves, get ready to burn calories—in addition to strengthening and sculpting muscles in your arms, legs, hips and core, belly dancing can help you shed pounds. According to one study published in Belly Dance Magazine in 2009, a 155-pound person burns about 300 calories per hour when performing traditional Middle Eastern styles of belly dance.
5) Salsa
This is one of our favourite weight-loss dance forms because it combines hip, rhythmic movement with speed. It’s intense enough to get your heart pumping and works with major muscle groups like legs, arms and core. Want to elevate your workout? Spin-on a Salsa dance floor! It not only helps you burn calories while you’re dancing but will keep your heart rate elevated for hours after class. Plus, salsa music is super fun and upbeat, so you won’t notice how hard you’re working.