Exercise and fitness: From Zumba to Salsa and more, here's how dance workouts help you lose weight

Health benefits of Zumba: This dance routine seamlessly blends lively beats with easy choreography and is designed with beginners in mind (Image: Canva)

If the idea of stepping into a gym seems overwhelming, and if clanking of weights or the monotony of the treadmill is not your cup of tea, you can opt for a fun exercise routine daily. Try dance. Beyond being a fun social activity, dancing also offers impressive health benefits. Multiple studies have shown that it can be an effective way to burn calories, boost cardiovascular health, and improve your well-being. The combination of rhythmic movements and arresting music not only makes it a pleasurable experience but also a sustainable one.

Dance can be a practical alternative to standard physical activity, as indicated by a research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This study emphasises that engaging in dance not only provides physiological and psychological advantages but is also beneficial for both healthy individuals and those with medical conditions. Therefore, including dance into your routine may emerge as a holistic approach to well-being.

Here are 5 ways you can embrace the rhythm, enjoy the music, and let the joy of dance be your guide to a healthier, fitter you in 2024:

Zumba: Try this dance workout that seamlessly blends lively beats with easy choreography and is designed with beginners in mind. Research shows that it not only boosts cardiovascular health but also transforms exercise into an enjoyable experience.

Hip-hop dance: Experience hip-hop’s dynamic and rhythmic movements, that lend both physical benefits and an avenue for self-expression. This dual effect contributes not only to weight loss but also to a positive impact on mental well-being.

Bollywood dance: One of the most popular and easy dance forms, Bollywood dance has has more than its fitness perks. It is good for your heart health. A study published in the National Institutes of Health reveals that Bollywood dance fitness classes result in light-to-moderate energy expenditure. As participants' skills improve, there is potential to escalate to higher intensity levels, aligning with the instructor's intensity. So, turn on the music and groove.

Salsa: Making your partner dance to your tunes or moving together in sensual and rhythmic harmony, both experiences are enjoyable. Opt for the latter, and salsa becomes your calling. This dance form not only creates a delightful partner experience but also plays a role in muscle toning and calorie burning.

Line dancing: Turn your weight loss journey into a celebration, one dance step at a time. Experience the cardiovascular exercise benefits of line dancing, whether performed solo or in a group. Research suggests that the combination of choreographed steps to upbeat music makes it an effective and enjoyable way to improve cardiovascular fitness.