It’s Strictly Come Dancing fever in ELLE HQ at the moment – what cutting-remark will Craig Revel Horwood say next? What will Darcey Bussell be wearing? And the big question who will be the trimmest and fittest by the end of the competition? This got us thinking: if dance can whip a bunch of celebrities into shape, what can it do for us?
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That saying ‘it takes two to Tango’? Well it really does. It’s a fast, energetic and playful dance that originates from South America.
Expect lots of bending, twisting and quick steps to a fast soundtrack. With lunges, side steps and small jumps you’ll be working all your legs muscles and working up a sweat. Your upper body and core won’t be forgotten either.
You're likely to use around 197 calories an hour during this dance.
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What do you think of when you think of Ballroom dancing? We think of Strictly’s Len Goodman. Ballroom is a bit of a large umbrella; it includes the waltz, quickstep and foxtrot (to name just a few!). It requires a partner and is a great way to get fit and burn some calories – a slow pace will burn around 197 calories an hour whereas a fast dance will burn approximately 296 calories. It strengthens your core muscles and because it’s a cardiovascular exercise it will also strengthen your heart and help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
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Latin dance for fitness is not a new concept – just look at the popularity of Zumba. Zumba is one of the UK’s most popular forms of exercise at the moment. Apart from a the social aspect, Zumba, or Latin dancing, work most muscle groups found in the body and it’s high intensity making it a great cardiovascular workout. You can expect to burn around 540 calories during one hour of Zumba or Latin dance. It’s set to fast, Latin music – if you’re heart isn’t racing and you’re not dripping in sweat by the end of your class you are doing something wrong! Virgin Active holds Zumba class nationwide...
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Doesn’t every girl want to be a ballerina when she grows up? It’s partly why we’re so obsessed with Darcey on Strictly. Ballerina’s are synonymous with a toned, lithe and supple body - something I think we all want! You are never to old to fulfill your childhood ambition of becoming a ballerina - Natalie Bomgren of Bodyism began her career in Sweden as a classically trained ballerina and performed with the Royal Ballet.
She says, “All injury-free adults can begin ballet – start slowly, master the basic moves and your strength and technique will improve from there.” Ballet will improve posture and increase muscle and joint flexibility. And remember, the more muscle you have the faster your metabolism will be. Ballet will strengthen your core and back muscles and all that flexing for the perfectly straight pointe will build some impressive quadriceps and hamstring<
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Tap dancing will give you a full body cardio workout. It’s high energy and works both the upper and lower body, although obviously your legs will get a more intense workout than the rest of your body so it’s important to mix Tap in with a varied exercise regime so you don’t neglect the muscles in the upper-half of your body. In particular Tap engages your thighs, hips and glutes.
The good news is that you will burn around 316 calories per hour. Andy Garcia, eat your heart out.
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Salsa is another style of dance that targets and tones pretty much every area of your body by using all your major muscle groups. It’s high intensity and therefore cardiovascular, and done often enough it will help to strengthen not only your muscles but your bones too. Dancing forward will work your quadriceps and moving backwards will engage your buttocks and hamstrings making this an effective way to get toned for a bikini! You’ll burn around 405 calories per one hour of intense Salsa dancing.
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Want hips like Shakira? Belly dancing could be just what you need. The discipline originated in the Middle East and as the name implies it works the core muscles of your stomach and hips. With the twisting and pulling movements you will also exercise the ligaments in your spine, which will improve your posture and flexibility.
It’s an aerobic form of workout and will help to slim down your waist and help you lose weight (should you need to). The more confident you become with Belly Dancing, the more bouncing, jumping and spinning you are likely to do which will allow your whole body a low-impact workout.
A 60-minute Belly Dancing lesson will burn approximately 300 calories.