How to Dance Your Way to a Hot Body
By Jenny Everett,SELF magazine
Bombshell "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara recently admitted to SELF that she hates to work out. So, to stay in shape, she does a dance workout with her trainer three times a week. Clearly, it works.
And she's not the only one opting to burn calories this way. Dance workouts are soaring in popularity.
According to Kathie Davis, Executive Director and co-founder of the IDEA Heath & Fitness Association, between 2002 and 2010, there has been a 26 percent increase in interest in dance for fitness.
"As crazy as it sounds, I think shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Dancing With the Stars' are getting people excited about it," she says. "And in these times, people are just looking for something fun and a little more lighthearted."
Here are some of the latest ways to get an amazing dance workout:
At the Gym
Zumba: This popular Latin dance-inspired fitness craze has attracted more than 7 and a half million people worldwide. No surprise, since it's ridiculous fun and burns 500 to 1,000 calories an hour. There are several version of the class, including Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning (more strength-focused) and Zumba Gold (for older folk).
"What makes Zumba such a great workout is that you're constantly moving," says Edmee Cherdieu d'Alexis, a Zumba instructor and Group Fitness Manager at Equinox in New York City. "It's a cardio workout, but on top of endurance it also improves agility and strengthens your lower body, legs, hips, butt and thighs, which women love."
Dance 2010: This new class being offered at Crunch gyms nationwide packs 20 years of dance into one 70-minute workout. From Right Said Fred to Rihanna, you're covered.
Related: Find out how to build your own calorie-busting workout here
BodyJam: Less Mills takes the latest dance styles and songs to create a new Body Jam class every three months. The 55-minute class starts with a warm-up and finishes with a cool-down -- most everything in between is a full-on dance party. At gyms nationwide -- click here to find a class near you.
Use IDEA's new FitnessConnect database to find a class or trainer near you, and even check to see if your trainer is certified (studies show that 45 percent of trainers who claim to be certified are actually NOT certified -- shady!)
Related: 8 Moves to Perk Up Your Boobs
On ExerciseTV
Tune in on TV, or get the videos online! Some workouts (like those below) are free. And if you want access to ExerciseTV's entire library of workouts, sign up for the Premium Pass for $9.99 a month.
Billy Banks Jr.'s Dance With Me Cardio Fit: Waist Burner: In 3 and a half minutes, Billy gives you the moves you need to twist your way to a slimmer waist and toned abs. Steal these moves for your workout, or use them when you're out dancing with friends (may as well sneak in a workout!)
Related: How to Be a Happy, Healthy Eater
20-Minute Dance Party: This is an all-out dance party designed to make you forget that you're even working out. Cardio is intense enough to satisfy athletes and newbies.
Masala Bhangra Workout (Back 2 Bollywood: Volume 6): Funky music and drumbeats get you fired up to learn these traditional Indian dance moves.
On DVD
The Bollywood Dance Workout with Hemalayaa: The sexy moves (might want draw the curtains!) stretch and sculpt your muscles while jacking up your heart rate.
'Dancing With the Stars': Dance Off the Pounds: If Kelly Osborne is any indication, DWTS knows a thing or two about dancing to burn off those last 5 pounds (or more!) This DVD takes you through the fast-paced Swing, Jive and Quickstep. By the end you'll have newfound respect for the celebs on the show.
Related: Try this Ultimate Lower Body Workout
'So You Think You Can Dance' Get Fit: Cardio Funk: Can't mention DWTS without acknowledging the other reality TV dance hit. This DVD teaches you hip-hop, contemporary, disco and cardio-funk-style moves. Routines are taught progressively so you can learn slowly or fast-foward ahead if you've already got the moves down.
Do you like to dance as a form of exercise? What's your favorite style?
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Photo Credit: abc.com
