Three Ways to Get Dancing Fit

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Chances are, that if you are reading this, you are searching for a new and exciting way to get that recommended daily activity. Lucky for you, dancing is not just for little girls in pink tutus any more.

Latin dance
Salsa, samba, bacchata, the list goes on and on. Latin dance is great for getting in some cardio and slimming that waist with simple steps and hip swings. Depending on the dance style you select, it can be in pairs or solo, fast or slow, sultry or thrilling.
Latino Grooves offers more Latin dance styles than you can imagine, in the city on Pultney Street. First-timers can sign up for a whole term with just $50, or if you would like to try multiple styles there are class pass options.

This is a fantastic activity if you are also looking for something more social, as many people attend alone and the wonderful instructors encourage everyone to attend social nights and events. You may even end up performing at the Fringe one day.



Barre
A more fitness-based class than Latin dance, barre classes are a fusion of ballet and Pilates that is designed to give you the dancers' body without actually dancing. In class, you will likely use small dumbbells, resistance bands, and of course the barre. You will find yourself combining a relivé with squats, raising and lowering your leg from second position, and holding a V-sit until your abs burn. Do not worry if you do not know ballet terms as you will learn very quickly. This is a great class for anyone who likes group fitness, or who enjoys ballet movements but does not actually want to dance.

Xtend Barre is the chain of studios that stems from America. They have multiple studios across Australia, including several in Adelaide, all with excellent and helpful instructors. Booking is made easy online, and you can purchase two weeks of unlimited classes for $50.
Alternatively, some gyms have developed their own barre classes, including Goodlife, which actually has a barre in the studios where they instruct. If the gym does not have a barre, it likely is not worth your time; you will and up holding onto a stick for balance and it isn't nearly as fun or effective.

Pole dancing
The connotations of the term "pole dancing" ha ve led to new variations, including "pole fitness" and "vertical dancing", to differentiate between the adult entertainers and the athletes.
Pole dancing will challenge you as much as you will allow it to. You will be encouraged to improve your upper body strength, abdominal strength, stamina, flexibility, fluidity of movement, fear of flying and threshold for pain. And no, this is not referring to the staggeringly high heels (which are optional).

The Pole Boutique starts very gently with some basic spins and core work. What is more, it is a very supportive environment and no one will make you attempt any tricks that you are not comfortable to try. It takes everyone a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

Pole classes generally consist of conditioning, practicing tricks, dancing and stretching. Depending on your chosen class, studio and instructor, it may be more acrobatic, strength- or dance-focused. Regardless of where you choose to go, the classes are consistently fun, challenging and social. The Pole Boutique offers a come-and-try session on Sundays, and they also have an Instagram page if you want to take a quick look into what you might learn later on.



Although this article may appear to be aimed more at women, be assured that men are welcomed at each and every studio recommended, particularly at Latino Grooves, as the ladies always seem to outnumber the gentlemen in partnered classes. Age, current fitness level, and your dance background - or lack thereof - should not be a factor either. You will meet everyone from high schoolers to retirees in these classes. These are amazing, empowering and enjoyable places to get fit and maybe learn a new thing or two while you do it. Plus, it is all indoors, so you would not have to deal with this winter weather.

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