More than 24 million people were participating in aerobic activities as of 2010, according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Aerobics is typically an hour-long workout set to music that combines dance and body-toning movements. All of the moves are set to a rhythm and carried out on dance counts. Aerobic dance can be performed to a video at home or in classroom settings at gyms, athletic clubs or recreation centers.
Dancing effectively works the backs of the thighs and the buttock muscles while providing a moderate cardio workout, according to Ken Richards of USA Dance Ballroom. Couples who want to get fit together can take a ballroom dance class. According to MSNBC news, ballroom dance is a good choice for people who may have trouble sticking to an exercise routine because dance feels more like fun than like a chore to be completed.
Belly dance is an art form that works the core body muscles, teaching both control and muscle isolation. It is excellent for toning the body, especially the midsection, and is used by postnatal mothers to get their stomach back in shape after delivery. Those who practice belly dancing report relief of back and joint pain, improved bone density and relief from PMS symptoms. Belly dancing is also very low impact and is a good beginner exercise for people who might find other forms of dance too intense, or who have joint stability concerns.
Mixed form classes like Zumba, Turbo Jam and Tae Bo have become popular because they use a variety of fitness techniques set to a single piece of music. Mixed-form classes incorporate martial art forms, yoga, Pilates, basic stretching and multiple forms of dance into a routine organized around a consistent dance beat. Mixed-form classes are excellent physical activity because they work a variety of muscle groups, providing a more complete physical workout that combines strength, flexibility and cardio training.