Certain fun dance styles can significantly aid in weight loss by combining aerobic movement with full-body engagement, which helps burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and build muscle tone. Dancing is a dynamic form of exercise that elevates the heart rate, boosts metabolism, and encourages sustained physical activity often without feeling like a workout because of its energetic and enjoyable nature. It also reduces stress, which plays a role in weight management by minimising cortisol-related fat storage. Keep reading as we share fun dance styles that can help in weight loss.
7 Fun dance styles that can help in weight loss
1. Zumba
Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout that blends upbeat music with high-energy, rhythmic moves. It's designed to keep your heart rate up and burn a high number of calories—anywhere between 400–700 per hour depending on intensity. The continuous motion, fast footwork, and dynamic movements tone the legs, core, and arms while promoting fat burning through aerobic and interval training principles.
2. Hip-hop dance
Hip-hop is a high-intensity dance form involving quick, sharp moves, jumps, and ground work. Because it combines strength, agility, and endurance, it can torch 350–600 calories per hour. The powerful, explosive movements not only promote calorie burn but also build muscle strength, especially in the lower body and core, while improving coordination and stamina.
3. Belly dancing
This graceful yet engaging dance style targets the core, hips, and thighs. The continuous undulating and isolated movements of the torso in belly dancing help strengthen abdominal muscles, improve posture, and tone the midsection. It's especially beneficial for women looking to lose belly fat in a low-impact yet effective way, burning up to 300–400 calories per hour.
4. Bollywood dance
Inspired by Indian cinema, Bollywood dance is a vibrant mix of classical Indian, folk, and contemporary moves. It involves expressive hand gestures, footwork, jumps, and full-body movement that can burn around 500–700 calories per hour. It's fun, high-energy, and engages every muscle group, making it a full-body workout that doesn't feel like one.
5. Jazzercise
A combination of jazz dance, resistance training, and aerobic exercise, Jazzercise is structured to maximise fat loss and muscle toning. It alternates between fast-paced dance routines and strength-building exercises like lunges or planks. This mix of cardio and resistance training helps improve muscle definition while burning 400–600 calories per session.
6. Salsa
Salsa dancing is a fast-paced partner dance that requires quick foot movements, spins, and fluid transitions. It's excellent for improving coordination, leg strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Depending on intensity, salsa can burn 400–500 calories per hour and boosts metabolism while enhancing flexibility and balance.
7. Afrobeats dance
Afrobeats dance incorporates African rhythms and dynamic body movements, combining cardio with strength-focused moves like squats, lunges, and hip isolations. It's energetic, rhythmic, and joyful, helping you burn 500–800 calories per hour while toning the lower body and enhancing coordination and rhythm.
Regular participation in dance sessions, even for 30 to 60 minutes a few times a week, can lead to noticeable fat loss, improved stamina, and better overall fitness, especially when paired with a balanced diet.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
