Why Your Next Cardio Workout Should Include Dance (Really)

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Lately it feels as if there is a new fitness craze or class popping up daily. Whether it’s a variation on a traditional workout -- à la hot yoga -- or an entirely new concept -- can you say Surfset? -- there is never a shortage of ways to sweat, feel the burn and work out in a way that feels fresh and exciting. However, when it comes to predominantly female workout classes, the uncharted waters can feel a bit more intimidating. Enter Class Pass. Here we will be sharing a guy’s guide to the female-centric fitness trends that you may have been tentative to try. From what to expect in terms of difficulty to what to wear, you can think of this guide as a warmup for the adventure that lies ahead. First up, Dance Cardio.

What Is It?

You can’t talk about dance cardio without starting with Tracy Anderson. Anderson is the pioneer of this type of workout, which melds dance choreography with muscle-toning moves and nearly all of the major players in the space today worked for Anderson at one point. It’s also important to underline that dance cardio is not Zumba. Zumba is very low impact and relies on simple, hip-focused dance moves. Dance cardio is full-body and combines both low and high impact intervals set to motivational music. Many of the classes combine wrist and/or ankle weights to help torch calories and work up a serious sweat.