Sweat OftenHome » Sweat Often » 10 Short Dance Workouts That Will Help You Work Up A Sweat
If you’re struggling to find a workout that you enjoy but you love hitting the dance floor, one of these short dance workouts might be your ticket to knocking out your weekly cardio.
Dancing can be way more fun than “normal” workouts and researchers have found that short dance workouts offer numerous other benefits as well. Here’s the inspiration you need to get your sweat on while you bust a move.
Health Benefits of Short Dance Workouts
Short dance workouts can support your well-being both mentally and physically by:
- Boosting aerobic fitness and cardiorespiratory health
- Improving mobility and balance
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Supporting cognitive function
- Improving quality of life
Dance fitness often combines the joys and structures of traditional dance forms with upbeat music, an elevated heart rate and muscle-toning movements. There are many high-quality free classes available online. Here are 10 of our favorite short dance workouts to help you start your journey. Look for a class that fits your musical and movement preferences, as feeling good while you workout will help you experience the best benefits.
1. 30-Minute Zumba for Beginners
Zumba was founded by Colombian fitness trainer and choreographer, Alberto Perez, in the mid-1990’s. Since then, it has gained more and more popularity each year and was formally trademarked in the US in 2001. Zumba is a high-energy dance workout set to Latin and world rhythms that will leave you feeling excited to take on your day.
2. 28-Minute Intermediate Dance Workout with 305 Fitness
This high-octane cardio-boosting dance class will help you feel strong and confident—and, you can do it right from the comfort of your living room. 305 Fitness says that their classes are designed to “boost your radical self-love and self-expression.” If you’re a fan of Hip Hop, Pop, and Electronic music, this will be your new go-to short dance workout.
3. 20-Minute Hip Hop Fit
Less about electronic beats? If you’re a Hip-Hop purist and you’re looking for a way to combine it with your exercise routine, check out Mike Peele’s Hip-Hop Fit videos. Mike Peele is a professional dancer and choreographer whose work you may have seen in movies like Step Up 3D and Stomp the Yard. He creates energetic hip hop fitness videos that anyone can enjoy.
4. 25-Minute Ballet-Inspired Workout
Ballet is a challenging dance style that is known to create strong, lean muscle while encouraging graceful movement patterns. If you’ve always wanted to take ballet, but don’t know where to start, try this beginner ballet class with YouTube fitness instructor, Coach Kel. She’ll walk you through a low-impact, no-equipment needed workout.
5. 30-Minute Bollywood Dance Workout
Bollywood dances are a lively and vibrant sequence of movements based on Indian classical and folk dances. Rahul Kumar, founder of Fitness Dance with Rahul, is a bollywood actor, dancer and choreographer who offers fun dance videos that are sure to help you work up a sweat.
6. 15-Minute African Dance Workout with Kukuwa
Kukuwa is an African-dance inspired workout that will elevate your heart rate and your feelings of joy. Kukuwa classes are fun, effective and allow you to explore dance moves that may not be in your repertoire.
7. Minute Hamilton Workout
Work up a sweat while singing along to your favorite Broadway musical. Certified fitness trainer Kyra Pro creates workouts that will increase your strength and fitness while challenging you just the right amount. This workout will get your heart pumping with boisterous dance moves, making it a great cardio activity that can take the place of a run or HIIT workout.
8. 4-Minute Sia dance routine with The Fitness Marshall
Looking for easy-to-follow dance routines to your favorite pop songs? Check out The Fitness Marshall. His exuberant energy adds another layer of fun to these dances that are appropriate for all fitness levels. These routines are usually under 4 minutes in length but you can repeat them a few times to make it a longer workout (and to make sure you get the moves down).
9. 20-Minute Salsa Workout with 375 Dance Studio
Learn some of the key movements in salsa dance routines while getting in a great workout. Salsa is a popular dance style that originated in Cuba and learning these moves might come in handy the next time you find yourself out on Salsa Night. This 20-minute salsa workout is led by expert ballroom dance instructors from 375 Dance Studio.
10. 30-Minute Reggaeton Workout with Cardio Dance Fitness
Shake your booty and boost your self-confidence with this 30-minute high energy workout set to the music and moves of Puerto Rico’s lively Reggaeton. Led by Cardio Dance with Clau y Paty, this dance workout might make you feel like you’re at Carnaval Ponceño rather than in your living room.
There’s no question about it, adding a dance workout into your weekly exercise routine will not only boost your fitness, it will also make your workouts more fun and sustainable. Try all 10 of these short dance workouts and see where the movements take you.
(Image: Shutterstock)
Jacqui Somen is a freelance writer who explores topics in fitness, wellness, sustainability and adventure. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer with trauma-informed training.
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