By Jackie Burns | August 24, 2012

Dance Workouts: Get Fit While Getting Your Groove On

Photo Courtesy of Zumba Fitness

With hit shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, dance seems to have taken the world by storm, and no one can deny that they are feeling the rhythm of the night. Gyms and fitness studios have been getting in on the fun for a while, turning some of the clubs’ hottest moves into high energy, choreographed classes that are guaranteed to shrink your waistline and liven up your workout. From A to Zumba there’s something for all of us. So in the words of Lady Gaga – let’s put on our workout pants and “just dance!”

Zumba Fitness®

Zumba’s mantra is “party yourself into shape.” Using easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired choreographed dance moves set to upbeat international music created by Grammy Award-winning producers, these high-energy “fitness parties” have a serious cult following. The “fitness party” was created in 2001 by Alberto Perez and has grown to be the world’s largest dance-fitness program, with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels taking classes weekly – in over 110,000 locations across 125 countries. Zumba now has the first-ever branded video game on all three major gaming platforms: Wii, Xbox and PS3.

Feel the Beat: Upbeat Latin-infused international music created by Grammy Award-winning producers.

Bust a Move: Check out SpaFinder® Wellness for a location near you.

BOKWA Fitness

Created by Paul Mavi, dancer and certified fitness instructor, in 2000, BOKWA was derived from the combination of “BO” (light boxing) and “KWA” (the cultural and traditional dance of Kwaito, South Africa. This hardcore cardio workout burns calories by joining South African war dance, Capoeira with kickboxing and dance steps, along with hand signals and American Sign Language. The workout is fast-paced and challenging, so it is guaranteed to get your heart rate pumping while delivering a full-body workout.

Feel the Beat: Pulsating rhythmic beats of African, Latin, pop and house music.

Bust a Move: Find a class near you.

Bar Method

Photo Courtesy of The Bar Method

Channel your inner Black Swan (or White, whichever pumps up your plié) and join a Bar Method class in your area. The workout is best for those who want to burn fat, carve muscle tone, shape their bod, sculpt their arms and tush and enhance their posture. Integrating interval training and isometrics, with the principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy, this workout safely reshapes your body into that quintessential lean dancer body (sans tutu). The workout is even safe for moms-to-be – just check with your physician first!

Feel the Beat: Classes are less music based and more focused on a dancer’s movements and body tone.

Bust a Move: Check out SpaFinder Wellness for a location near you.

Pole Fitness

Want to combine cardio, strength training and sex-kitten moves? Check out a pole dancing fitness class! You will learn beginner to advanced pole techniques – from spins, climbs and walking with what I like to call lady swag – all guaranteed to unleash your inner goddess and tone your arms, legs and tummy. Perfect option for unique and fun bachelorette parties!

Feel the Beat: Sexy, flirty tracks to help you find unleash your sultry side.

Bust a Move: Check out SpaFinder Wellness for a location near you.

Nia

Inspired by sensory-based movements of martial arts (tai chi, tae kwon do, aikido), dance arts (jazz, modern, Duncan) and the healing art of yoga, Nia strives to connect the dancers’ body, mind, emotions and spirit. Barefoot classes are taught in more than 45 countries around the world and combine 52 moves that flow from your body’s base, core and extremities. A wonderful way to unwind while burning calories.

Feel the Beat: Best described as a sensory-explosion, these soft, flowing, easy-listening and natural rhythms help connect you with your environment.

Bust a Move: Check out Nia London fitness classes