Popular dance routines can get your heart pumping and your body in motion. There are several choreographies done at many parties and gatherings that you may not even know are great for exercising, especially cardio. The great thing about dance routines is that you can enjoy the social aspect of dancing among friends and family. At the same time, it helps you work out important areas on the body that you may not even be aware of at the time. So, here are seven popular dance routines that you may be familiar with already or could learn on your own leisure time to use for cardio exercises.
The “Electric Slide” is one those popular dance routines that everyone should know! The 1976 dance was originally done to Marcia Griffith's song “Electric Boogie.” It has become one of those timeless choreographies that break the ice at birthday parties or family reunions. The great thing about this dance is that it is extremely simple and fun. One move in particular - which involves bending over and slapping the ground - really works out your abdomen, back, and arms.
Everyone should be familiar with this song because it is one of Michael Jackson's greatest hits. As far as the dance, probably not so much because it is pretty complicated, but can be done. One thing that is great about the dance part (when the beat drops) in “Thriller” is that it really tests your patience and your willingness to master the moves. There's a lot of jumping, arm swinging, pelvic thrusting, and head movements. Once you have the routine down pat, you'll feel like you're just as good as the King of Pop himself!
Let's throw it back to 1994 when Hip Hop introduced one of its first dance routines to the radio airways. Although I was six years old when this jam was played at all the summer cookouts and pool parties, this has to be one of my favorite dance routines. The “Tootsee Roll” is a rendition of what some may remember as the “butterfly.” Getting in a squatting position and rolling your legs in and out to the beat works out your thigh muscles and more importantly your Gluteus Maximus. It's a hip song that not only gets you moving but also keeps you fit.
The Wobble line dance has a great beat to back up an exciting dance routine. It gets you moving and your shoulders rocking. "Wobble Baby" also keeps your hips moving, which is the focal point of the entire routine and exactly why they call it the Wobble. There's not a lot of sliding or moving across the floor, but there is some hopping. This is definitely one of those dances that you will fall in love with time and time again.
I like this dance because it consists of fast-paced steps. The only downfall of "Cotton Eyed Joe" is that there is more than one version of this dance. Therefore, what you get out of this dance depends on what routine you choose to follow. From my experience with the dance, there is a lot of leg kicking and spinning. It will keep you on your toes.
I've seen the "Cha Cha Slide" done at fundraisers and even at weddings. This is absolutely one of those dance routines that you can't help but move to because it is so addicting. The "Cha Cha Slide" is perfect for cardio because there is a lot of jumping and various dance moves incorporated into the song. It's also a very animated song that will keep you entertained all the way through to the end. This line dance may just be the longest out of all the dances on this list.
Lastly, this very catchy South Korean dance routine coined by K-pop artist Psy doesn't have a lot of specific choreography to follow. In fact, you can freestyle through most of the song. However, the chorus is what kicks off the "Gangnam Style" dance. The dance move mirrors galloping - which is basically hopping from side to side. When this song came to the states in 2012, it was a smash hit. As one of the easiest dance routines on the list, it'll most likely become one of your favorites.
Every time you're up and prancing along to one of these step-by-step dances, remember how beneficial they are to not only your happiness, but also your physical health. Exercising doesn't always have to be related to lifting, bench pressing, or any other intense workouts. Just throw on your favorite tune and let dancing be your means of getting fit. What are some other dance routines that you think can be used for cardio exercising?