Aerobic dancing workout routines are exercises that feature a mix of cardio steps and dance moves. Some of the dance styles found in aerobic dance programs are Latin, hip hop, African, bellydance, ballet and jazz. A highlight of these routines is the music that accompanies the workout. Some people find that the upbeat rhythm of music (and the act of dancing) makes time go by faster and increases their enjoyment.

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, aerobic dancing reduces stress, anxiety and cholesterol levels.http://www.aapsm.org/aerobics.html It also helps increase the functioning of circulation, the heart and lungs.http://www.aapsm.org/aerobics.html The academy advises people to check with a physician before starting an aerobic dance program.http://www.aapsm.org/aerobics.html

In 1969, professional dancer Judi Sheppard Misset invented Jazzercise in Evanston, Illinois.http://www.jazzercise.com/pdfs/jazzercise_history_2010.pdf She incorporated the fitness business in 1977.http://www.jazzercise.com/pdfs/jazzercise_history_2010.pdf By 1979, the Jazzercise company branched out to recording aerobic dance videotapes.http://www.jazzercise.com/pdfs/jazzercise_history_2010.pdf Today, the company has over 7,800 Jazzercise instructors working across the world.http://www.jazzercise.com/companyinfo.htm

Jazzercise is made up of jazz dance steps, yoga, pilates, kickboxing and strength training.http://www.jazzercise.com/learn_bmoves.htm The official Jazzercise website offers sample video clips from various workouts as well as exercise gear. The workout DVDs cost $16.99. https://togs.jazzercise.com/TOGS.dll?TOGS:TCAT_SubCategorySelect:0:SSID=1454475972&SC=4

Zumba was created by Beto Perez in Colombia.http://www.zumba.com/us/about/ In 1999, he joined with Alberto Aghion and Alberto Perlman and transformed his local Zumba classes into a business in the United States.http://www.zumba.com/us/about/ The company Zumba Fitness went on to collaborate with the Kellogg Company and expanded their fitness program across the Spanish-speaking world market.http://www.zumba.com/us/about/ By 2008, the company teamed with Guthy Renker and released Zumba fitness DVDs worldwide through infomercials.http://www.zumba.com/us/about/

Zumba is a Latin dance aerobic workout that combines samba, salsa, cumbia, merengue, strength training and abdominal work.http://www.zumba.com/us/shop/action/view/productId_188/ It also uses a specialty weight that was created for Zumba routines called toning sticks, which make a sound like maracas when lifted.http://www.zumba.com/us/shop/action/view/productId_188/ The Zumba DVD collection can be purchased on the official site for $59.95.http://www.zumba.com/us/shop/action/view/productId_188/

Choreographer Shaun Shaun T Thompson invented the Hip Hop Abs program in 2007.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_about.html He began his career as a dancer on television programs and in theater productions such as Applause and Six Feet Under.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_about.html Since the creation of the Hip Hop Abs routines, Shaun T has gone on to create a dance fitness program for children and a high-impact workout called INSANITY.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_about.html

Hip Hop Abs is a workout that includes hip hop moves, cardio and abdominal sculpting.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_ttt.html The program uses a technique that is called tilt, tuck and tighten.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_ttt.html According to the company, the technique allows a person to work out his abdominal muscles while dancing.http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/hiphopabs/popup/popup_ttt.html The routine does not include traditional floor abdominal work. The program is sold on the official Hip Hop Abs website for $72.80.http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/hip_hop_abs.do

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