While it’s necessary, there’s nothing glamorous about churning out step after step on a treadmill. You need to incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your weekly program but does it have to be so boring?

Taking up dance is the perfect way to get fit, learn a new skill, and have a great time. Let’s take a look at the top styles of dance that are easy to learn and burn the most calories.

4. Swing

Starting off with a classic, swing dance features recognizable moves such as the Lindy Hop and the Charleston. It has become one of the most popular styles of dance to pursue with classes offered at most studios and specialty gyms. Like all the styles on our list, Swing dancing doesn’t require previous experience. Show up in comfy clothes and get ready to sweat. While you’re having a blast, you’ll be burning as many calories as your standard cardio workout.

3. Hip Hop

Ever go to a club or bar where people are dancing to hip hop and want to join but you have no idea what you’re doing?

Hip Hop dance is extremely popular as most of the music you’ll hear in today’s club scene is ideal to dance to in this fashion. This fast stepping style blends rhythm with spontaneity. Admittedly, this one may be a bit more of a challenge but all that hard work will pay off. You’ll be burning enough calories for a full workout and you’ll see your social status in the local clubs rise.

2. Salsa

This 8-count step dance style is one of the most popular in the world. If you’re a traveler, any city you go to is likely to have a salsa following (you just have to look hard enough to find it). Unlike the other three styles, salsa is considered a partner-required dance. Don’t let that stop you. There are plenty of partners eager to get on the floor to practice. You’ll be training your body and mind with this one. Salsa can be a bit slower or very fast paced. Step out of your comfort zone and try this worldwide favorite.

1. Zumba

How about blending several dance styles into one for the ultimate workout?

Zumba gives you the best of the most popular Latin-based dance styles. With its recent explosion in popularity, Zumba has spawned plenty of classes, instructional videos, and games.

It combines bits and pieces from flamenco, merengue, salsa, mambo, and several other styles. If you want to pursue a more structured dance class like salsa but you aren’t at the fitness level you want to be, Zumba may be an excellent starting point.

Tell Us What You Think!

Have you tried any of these dance styles before?

Do you have your own style of dance that has helped you get fit?

We want to hear about your results and ideas in the comments section below!