Latin Dance Fitness

Any physical activity that raises your heart rate for an extended period of time is going to improve your fitness, so why not make it fun? A great way to accomplish this is to introduce Latin dancing into your fitness regimen. With fast-tempo music and moves that concentrate on exaggerated movements in your hips, legs and arms, Latin dancing is an effective and increasingly popular form of exercise.

Instructions

1. Find a class at a local dance studio or gym. Many dance studios offer classes in specific styles such as Tango, Salsa and Merengue. Often, classes combine two or more styles to give a broad overview of "Latin dance." Latin dancing has become so popular that gyms are offering classes along with, or in place of, traditional aerobics classes. These classes tend to focus more on the aerobic aspect of the moves and not as much on style.

2. Check out Latin clubs and find out if they offer classes. Often, there will be informal dance classes offered before the club opens or early in the evening. If you decide to go this route and stay for a night of dancing, keep in mind that drinking may sabotage your plan for exercise.

3. Find a Zumba class. Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin-inspired dancing with belly dancing and world beats. Instructional DVDs are available and classes are offered at gyms all over the country (see Resources).

4. Turn on the music and dance. Close the blinds and shimmy in your living room. Find a Shakira video and try to keep up. All you really need to do to burn calories and get fit is to move around and get your heart-rate up.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear the appropriate shoes. Dance studios may require dance shoes while gyms will require flat soled shoes or sneakers. Keep your heart-rate up. That's what burns calories.

• Consult with a doctor if you have any conditions that limit your physical ability.

Resources

• Zumba DVDs and Classes