One of the best ways to lose weight and burn fat is to exercise. But the only kind of exercise that I have ever been able to stick to is the kind of exercise that I enjoy. While some people do great with running, yoga or going to the gym, the only thing I've ever truly loved to do is dancing. For me, dancing is where it's at, which is why mastering these 10 dance moves to reach my fitness goals has been crucial to success. Whether you are looking for a brand new way to exercise or want to keep the weight off this holiday season, dance may be the way to go.
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If you're the kind of person who loves to dance for fitness, then you have probably already tried things like cardio dance classes at your local gym or Zumba. Yes, Zumba is one of those things that can provide you with all of the right moves and all of the cardio-burning that you need. You might even like ballet-style dance classes or hip-hop moves. Whatever your favorite is, though, Women's Health recently reported about the 10 best calorie-burning dance moves.
These are the moves that will make a real Shakira or Jennifer Lopez out of you. Whenever I think about the things that I want to accomplish with my dance fitness routine, it's always to look like those two ladies. Whether it's the holidays or any other time of year, burning calories is an important part of working out and dancing is certainly the most fun way that I can think of to do this. Running has never been for me and I just don't think that yoga is getting me to burn off quite as many calories as some of these dance moves. And you know the best part? You can listen to Pitbull the entire time!
1. Try the Turning Jumping Jack to burn some serious calories.
To do this move, you'll want to stand with your feet a few inches apart, arms at your side and then simultaneously raise your arms over your head, spin your body 180 degrees and jump your feet out so that they're shoulder-length apart. Then reverse and repeat the movement.
2. Doing Butt Kicks helps to work out your behind.
This move is pretty easy: All you really need to do is jog in place while kicking your feet back and aim to reach your heels as close to your butt as you can. It's a great butt-toning and fun move.
3. When you do Skater Runs, you have fun.
To do this move, you start by crossing your left leg behind your right and then lowering yourself into a half-squat with your right arm out to the side and your left arm across your hips. Then you'll hop to the left, switching your arms and legs. Then continue hopping quickly from one side to the other.
4. Switch to thinking about snow with Ski Runs.
For this move, you'll want a variation. First, stand with your feet a few inches apart and your arms at your sides. Then you'll want to simultaneously jump your left foot forward and your right foot backward while raising your hands over your feet. Then jump again and switch the feet. Do this back and forth several times.
5. Do a Squat Thrust for a serious calorie burn.
This move starts out just like a normal squat, by going from a standing position to a low squat position with your hands on the floor for support. From there, you'll want to hop both legs backwards and land in a pushup position. Finally, hop your feet back up into a squat position and (slowly) stand up. Repeat as needed.
6. A Back Step and Knee Raise is going to take your fitness to the next level.
To to this move, start by standing with your feet a few inches apart and your arms at your sides. Then you'll wnat to bend at the hips and place your left hand on your left knee while reaching back with your right arm. Finally, extend your right leg behind you and tab the ground with your toes, then return to the starting position. Without pausing, raise your left knee, jump, and raise your hands above your head in one motion. Try it again!
7. Grapevine and Hop With Clap will make you feel like you're really dancing.
Clasp your hands behind your back while standing with your feet a few inches apart. To the left, step your left foot and then step your right foot behind the left and then step your left foot out again. Then jump while clapping, and finally repeat to the right.
8. You'll want to do Jump Knee Tucks to burn off more calories.
Drop into a half squat after standing with your feet together and hands on your hips. Explode up into a high jump while bringing your knees up to your chest. Jump with all your might because, at the same time, you'll want to bring your hands out in front of you at hip height. Land back into a squat, and then jump back up again.
9. High-Knee Jack is another jump that makes it easy to dance, too.
Jump your feet out so that they are shoulder-width apart while also raising your arms out to the sides and over your head. Then quickly release the movement and repeat from the start.
10. Finish with a Pon De River for the ultimate dance party.
For this move, you'll want to start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and then your hands by your sides. Then hop and kick your left foot out, heels first and bring your right arm forward (bent at a 90-degree angle). Then you will want to alternate quickly, from side to side.
