Burn Calories, Have Fun: 8 Best Dance Workouts on YouTube

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Woman Dancing in Hallway
Author Name: Lucas Cook
Date: Tuesday August 13, 2024

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Name a better workout than dancing. It’s not just a great way to boost your cardio — it’s also excellent for building coordination and flexibility, helping you lose weight and releasing endorphins for better mental health. Even better, you can discover some of the best dance workouts on YouTube and experience the magic right in your bedroom or living room.

But before you pull up the YouTube app on your computer or television, you should know a few things about dance fitness at home.

Are YouTube Dance Workouts for Everyone?

Dance is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, body shape, experience or mobility. With nearly 14 billion public videos on YouTube, you’re bound to find a workout to fit your needs and preferences.

Are you looking for a five-minute wake-up exercise to start the day? Perhaps you want an energetic Zumba routine. Mixing up your fitness regimen with belly dance, bhangra, or Afrobeats also offers more unique options for burning calories. 

Do You Need Special Equipment?

Although some instructors suggest keeping a resistance band or dance bar nearby, you can leap right into these exciting exercise videos without any equipment. 

Utilizing tools to help you along in your dance fitness journey is best. For instance, you might not need a bar, but it can help you improve your balance and flexibility during some routines. Likewise, older adults and people with disabilities and injuries might benefit from dancing while sitting in a chair. 

Always wear comfortable, supportive shoes regardless of what you use or don’t use. The right shoes will protect your feet from injury, enhance precision and allow you to improve your technique. 

8 Best Dance Workouts on YouTube

Are you ready to feel the groove and get in shape? Slip on your dancing shoes because these are eight of the best dance workouts on YouTube. 

1. 10-Minute Afrobeats Dance Workout

Start your day on a high note with Grow With Jo’s Afrobeats Dance Workout video. All you need is 10 minutes in the morning to get your heart rate up and soak in the day’s positive energy. 

This isn’t an overly rigorous routine, but you can expect to sweat a little. Likewise, if you find any moves too difficult, Jo says to slow down and make adjustments as needed.

2. Dance Workout by Caleb Marshall

Caleb Marshall and his beloved “Booties” have quickly become everyone’s favorite Instagram fitness trio. Caleb’s dance workouts are energizing, fun and perfect for everyone — just look at this chair-accessible Dua Lipa routine they posted on YouTube. 

These long-time pals make every follower feel like part of the friend circle. Allow yourself to let loose with this one, and remember to meow and get silly while you dance.

3. 20-Minute Dance Cardio Workout With Julianna Hough

Is there a more perfect dance fitness instructor than Dancing With the Stars alum Julianne Hough? Some might agree that Hough’s KINRGY is a bit like dance therapy. 

You’re asked to use movement and breathwork to nurture your mind, body and soul in this particular workout. KINRGY isn’t about traditional spins and twirls — it’s about coloring outside the lines through an immersive dance and meditative journey. 

4. 80s Hits Dance Fitness Workout

If Richard Simmons’ Sweatin’ to the Oldies was your go-to exercise, you can find plenty of similar dance workouts on YouTube. For instance, this 20-minute routine by Jamie Kinkeade is set to your favorite 80s grooves. 

Although you can use light weights, it isn’t a requirement. Either way, you’ll break a sweat and invigorate your body to the sounds of Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Queen.

5. Zumba® 30-Minute Beginners Latin Dance Mini-Workout

This beloved Latin-inspired cardio workout now spans over 200,000 classes of 15 million students in 180 countries — or you can take advantage of the routines right in the comfort of your home.

Beginners shouldn’t fear this 30-minute YouTube class, as it’s made especially for dancers at your level. As one commenter said, they’re 51 without any dance skills and had so much fun despite being briefly confused. 

6. 30-Minute Belly Dancing Workout For a Toned Core

Have you ever wondered how Shakira manages to do such graceful belly rolls during concerts? She’s classically trained in belly dancing, which gives her a flatter, leaner tone. 

You, too, can develop a toned core by trying this 30-minute belly dancing routine. It’s one of the best dance workouts on YouTube, and you don’t even need prior experience. 

Belly dance is often described as expressive, romantic and meditative. However, many women find it helps them tap into their feminine energy. And how could it not? With this video, you can safely explore your body through soft, artistic movements.

7. 30-Minute Hip-Hop Fit Cardio Dance Workout “Round 42” by Mike Peele

Professional choreographer Mike Peele has created an exciting 30-minute hip-hop dance fitness video that you can use to boost your heart rate and get in shape at home.

The Peele Effect — as he calls it — appeals to everyone. The steps are repeated throughout the routine so you won’t feel left behind. The music also gets progressively faster for a more challenging workout, ending with an epic cool down. 

8. 30-Minute Bhangra Dance Fitness Workout At Home

Do you want to learn how to dance like a Bollywood superstar? Bhangra is one of the more unique workouts you can do, giving you the ultimate dance flex to shock your friends and family.

This relatively intensive full-body video will keep you moving from start to finish. Here, you’ll combine traditional Bollywood dances and freestyle movements — however, there is no right or wrong way to do it. You’ll reap the benefits if you keep your body moving. 

Become a Dancer at Home

These are only a few of the best dance fitness videos on YouTube, but they’re a great starting point. Your best bet is to try a variety of workouts to see which dance moves you most. Maybe you’ll prefer Zumba and hip-hop or enjoy a more free-spirited regimen like Julianne Hough’s KINRGY classes. At home, you’ll feel zero pressure to participate.

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