Dancing is a workout! And in honor of Valentine's Day we've created our own burlesque dance workout inspired by Christina Aguilera's sexy move in Burlesque. Take a lesson in your living room and get ready for some body rolls and deep squats. High heels are optional!
If a rhythm gets you in a workout frame of mind, you may like Acacia's Dance and Be Fit Carnaval Workout DVD ($14) with Kimberly Miguel Mullen. Based on Brazilian dance moves, the exercise routine has you sweating and jumping without hardly realizing it. During the 47-minute session, I worked what seemed like my entire body, all while having fun and laughing at my reflection in the mirror. While I enjoyed the routine, there were some parts that left me in a bit of a quandary.
To see what I liked and what I didn't, read more
When you just can't seem to dig up the motivation to get moving, the one thing that might give you a push is the possibility of having fun. Kimberly Miguel Mullen is all about putting joy into a workout with her Dance and Be Fit — Lower Body Burn DVD ($15), which consists of a five-minute warmup, two 20-minute sequences, and a five-minute cooldown.
It always throws me off when you're guided by a voice-over and not a speaking person, but once I got past that, I was able to enjoy this fun dance program. You can choose to do the two 20-minute sequences separately if you're pressed for time, but I did them together and felt a small glaze of sweat emerge at the video's halfway point.
The first sequence, Heavenly Hips, is easier than the second one, Lovely Legs, but they are both easy to follow. You're given basic steps and the choreography is layered on, and Kimberly goes through each dance set many times so you have plenty of opportunities to get the hang of it. While some other dance DVDs are confusing and leave a first-timer watching instead of doing, a novice would fall into step with this video.
With traditional dance basics like passe, attitude, plie, and gran plie, you're introduced to some of the fundamentals that create those gorgeous dancer legs. This is a pretty beginner workout and I wouldn't rely on it for toning my bottom half, but I'll keep it in my arsenal for those days when I want to increase my heart rate with a fun workout.
Do you often think it would be great if your workout could improve your nightlife as well as your health? You know, like directly translate to making you not only svelte but hip too. Well the latest class in the Nike Rockstar series - "Dancehall" now offered at 24 Hour Fitness, might be just what you are looking for.
The new Dancehall workout was choreographed by Jamie King who has created moves for Madonna, JLo, Britney and Shakira. Now you can move like a rockstar too!!! The Caribbean style moves, inspired by the latest music videos and dancehall steps, will not only challenge your sense of coordination but your heart rate as well. If you want a little primer before heading to class, you should check out the video. They look incredibly fun - the video is truly motivational.
If you don’t like step or dance aerobics this class might be frustrating for you at first. The challenge, however, will keep you motivated and engaged as you get or stay in shape. Learn the moves at the gym and then take them out for a night on the town (another great way to burn calories).
If you aren't a member of 24 Hour Fitness yet, don't worry, right now you can try it out for 10 days for FREE. To get your free 10-day pass, check out 24hourfitnessoffers.com.
Fit's Tip: To find a class at a club near you, check out this class schedule and locator. Remember ladies - ROCK ON!!!!
