More than 24 million people tune in weekly to shows like Dancing with the Stars. Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance workout, attracts ten million-plus participants weekly.A good beat can get just about everyone tapping their feet or swinging their hips. Moving to the music subtracts stress and adds joy. You're not counting reps or watching the clock. You're out meeting people; it's entertainment.But dance is also a total-body workout that has all the benefits of a long run or a session on the elliptical-and then some. You'll also tone nearly every muscle in your body, improve balance, and boost brainpower, even if you have two left feet or achy joints.
Latin
Targeted muscles: Front and side abs and back.The dance at a glance: Quick, sharp steps, lots of hip action, and a fiery attitude set Latin dances like salsa, merengue, and cha-cha apart from the rest. Most require a partner, but there are solo options like Zumba.Why it's healthy: Abs, from transverse to obliques, and the muscles that support your spine get a 360-degree workout from the twisting, pulling, and constant back-and-forth movement. A stronger core improves posture and helps prevent lower-back pain.You'll love it if you have a sexy wiggle in your walk and aren't afraid to use it. Latin dances are set to a fast beat.
Masala Bhangra
Targeted muscles: Front and back of upper arms and shoulders, upper back.The dance at a glance: The Masala Bhangra is India's Electric Slide. It's the dance audiences loved in Slumdog Millionaire. But no need to don a sari to partake. In Masala Bhangra, your arms do a lot of the dancing. One move has your arms in a U shape while you turn your wrists like you're screwing in lightbulbs, making it ideal for any level of exerciser.
Why it's healthy: All the upper-body action shapes sexy shoulders, arms, and back. It also strengthens the small, easily injured rotator cuff muscles in your shoulders. Note: All the over-head action raises your heart rate. If it feels too intense or your arms ache, simply lower your hands below your heart while still dancing.You'll love it if, your tastes run to the exotic and you love to swing your hips. Because the style isn't as rigid as other types of dance, it's a low-pressure workout to try solo or with girlfriends.
Jazz
Targeted muscles: Front of thighs. The dance at a glance: If Latin is hot, then jazz is cool. Moves are a blend of sharp kicks and sultry slides, all performed with a "look at me now" attitude, think Catherine Zeta-Jones in Chicago. The goal is to create a striking silhouette.Why it's healthy: The fat-blasting combo of cardio, strength, and power moves boosts your metabolism for faster weight loss.It improves agility and gait for better balance. And all the torso bending and rotating help tone your midsection.You'll love it if, you're a Broadway-musical fan and have a big personality.
Tap
Targeted muscles: Calves and shins.The dance at a glance: In tap, you wear shoes that have metal plates attached to the heel and forefoot, these make a percussive sound when you rhythmically touch or stomp on the floor.Compared with other dance styles, there's less co-ordination between your arms and legs and only a little hip action.Why it's healthy: Tap also increases the foot's range of motion and strengthens fast-twitch muscles (the ones required for actions such as jumping).Off the dance floor, these improvements help you to be surer on your feet and protect you from injuries like ankle sprains.You'll love it if, you're the finger-snapping, rhythm-keeping type.