Dance classes still top for fitness this year
Here at Ayrshire Life we predicted at the start of the year that the dance fitness business would still be booming in the UK and so far we have seen that to be true.
The king of the dance fitness business, Zumba, continues to be at the cutting edge of the industry.
Zumba dominates this field in over 60 countries round the world and you only need to look at their press releases and stats to see just how incredibly powerful Zumba has become.
As well as Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba and a whole host of dance- inspired sessions, Zumba are currently pushing their own version of highintensity interval training, Zumba Strong.
With less dance but more aggression, this no- nonsense class matches the moves to the soundtrack but it is more like an Insanity session than a dance class. With plenty of highimpact moves, press- ups, burpees and plyo jumps, this is not for the faint- hearted.
Other dance fitness programmes still find their space on the gym schedules though.
‘ Strictly Come Dancing-inspired Fitsteps has recently had a relaunch and Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe are back on the road promoting the class format, making personal appearances at training days and master classes.
Fitsteps uses ballroom and Latin dance steps to get you fit and there are hardcore fans of Fitsteps that love and support the format.
The easy adaptability of this format means instructors can teach to all ages and fitness levels and the music is great too.
O f course, fitness giant Les Mills was not going to let dance slip under the radar so Sh Bam filled that void in the body training system of classes.
With sassy and contemporary moves, Sh Bam has style and attitude when it comes to dance.
The reason we do not hear much about it is that gyms and instructors need a licence to teach Sh Bam so it is often overlooked when you think of dance workouts but it is a great programme, worth checking out if you can.
Dance legend and judge on ‘ Strictly’ Darcy Bussel has also launched her own format with DDMix.
Taking cues from other programmes, Diverse Dance Mix lets you experience lots of dance styles under the one umbrella.
As well as the usual styles such as salsa or tango, you get a chance to try styles such as Japanese dance, 1970s disco, 1990s vogue and 1940s ritz.
This emphasis of eras and styling means the classes are very varied and entertaining.
More recently, Bhangra Blaze classes have started to pop up in the UK.
Created by Kirit Thakore, this energetic session mixes the traditional folk dance from the Punjab with calorie- busting exercise we are used to in dance- based classes.
Although it sounds difficult, the dances repeat moves and routines so they can be easily learned and performed.