Fat Burning Dance Workout

Getting in shape doesn't have to involve the drudgery of crunches and squats. Channel your inner dancer to lose belly fat and reveal a toned tummy.

However, losing belly fat isn't just about looking good on the dance floor — it's a matter of health. Too much belly fat, especially the deep inner fat that widens your waist, puts you at greater risk of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Don't fear, though. If you've got rhythm, you've got the tools to lose the extra pounds. Take moves from hip-hop, belly dancing or salsa to tone your muscles.

These days, people love to watch other people dance. Competitive shows are dominating the world of reality television. What you may not realize, however, is that if you get off the couch and dance, it’s a great way to keep your body and mind healthy.

Belly fat shrinks in response to a more physically active lifestyle, and dancing is an effective way to move more and enjoy it. Whether you shake it in hip hop or swivel your hips in your own living room, you're burning calories, which is key to losing belly fat.

Dancing is a fun way to burn calories. If you weigh 155 and move fast for 30 minutes, expect to burn 223 calories in 30 minutes, equal to a cross-country walk. Slower ballroom dance still burns 205 calories in 30 minutes and even slow waltz shreds 105 calories in the same amount of time — the amount you'd burn in a casual game of volleyball. People who weigh more burn a greater number of calories when dancing, too.

Studies show that dancing can help you aside from lose weight, to stay flexible, reduce stress, make friends, and more.

What are you waiting for? Start reaping the many health benefits of dance today.