From A to Zumba: Get Your Groove On

Dance Workouts: Get Fit While Getting Your Groove On

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!”

Photo Courtesy of Zumba Fitness

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.

Photo Courtesy of Zumba Fitness

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.

Photo Courtesy of Bokwa Fitness

Figure Method

A combination of yoga, Pilates, Lotte Berk and ballet, Figure Method is an upbeat hour of non-stop movement. Beginning on yoga mats with 2.5 dumbbells and yoga blocks at your side, you go right into the routine with movements ranging from crunches to pushups to hip trusts. On ballet bars you will stretch, plié and perform repetitive kicks and various other moves. The Method was created in 2001 by classically trained ballerina Cindy Sites as a hybrid workout program designed to tone and lengthen muscles. Changes in your body can be seen after just six classes.

Feel the Beat: High-paced bangin’ club beats.

Bust a Move: Find a class near you.

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.

Photo Courtesy of The Bar Method

The Masala Bhangra Workout®

Have you been dying to get your Slumdog Millionaire moves on since the movie’s final dance scene? Now’s your chance! Derived from the Indian words masala, meaning “spicy” in Hindi and bhangra, the traditional folk dance from the northern state of Punjab, India, this Bollywood-inspired dance workout, created by Sarina Jain, blends old-school and new-school bhangra moves into an exhilarating cardio sesh.

Feel the Beat: Bollywood/bhangra aerobic music, produced by fitness icon, Sarina Jain.

Bust a Move: Find a class near you.

Photo Courtesy of The Masala Bhangra Workout®

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 SpaFinder Wellness for a location near you.

Photo Courtesy of Nia Now

Buff Ballet Booty

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, Florida

The Buff Ballet Booty class at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, Florida, is a ballet-inspired class where guests will plié their way to a longer, leaner bod. The workout focuses on balance and coordination while toning your glutes, core and legs. The spa’s Exercise and Movement Manager says, “This class is a huge hit because of the playful and lighthearted atmosphere. Participants learn ballet-inspired movements fused with other dance and fitness styling.”

Photo Courtesy of Canyon Ranch Miami

Cardio Drum Dance

Golden Door, Escondido, California

Golden Door is hosting You Should be Dancing: Spotlight on Dance Classes. Cardio Drum Dance uses a pair of drumsticks, a Swiss ball and a unique combo of rhythm and dance that stimulates the brain and the body. Guests will march, rock out, salsa and cha-cha for 45 minutes of mood-enhancing dance movements. Other dance fitness sessions offered at the spa are Dance of India, Burlesque and Yuichi. Each 45-minute dance session is instructed by a renowned choreographer!

Photo Courtesy of Golden Door

Read More

Drop the Weights: Kettlebell Exercise 101
Muscle Confusion: Avoid Stress Injuries & Keep Workouts Interesting
Gyrotonic Unraveled: Help Your Body Massage Itself
10 Fitness Tips for Women on the Go
Good Vibrations: Work It Out with Power Plate
Top 10 All-the-Rage Fitness Trends
Yoga Style Guide: Find Out Which Practice Suits You
The NEW Fitness: Cool Water Workouts
Shape Your Figure with The Figure Method