Dance it out

This workout trend is for the dancer in all of us.

there’s a new dance cardio in town – and you don’t need a PHD in choreography to make it through a class. “Dance isn’t meant to feel like punishment,” says Katia Pryce, founder of Dancebody. “It should make you feel better about your body and give confidence.”

There are other payoffs, too. One study found that dancing for 21 minutes three times a week can improve heart health as much as 30 minutes of traditional cardio, and help with toning and dynamic flexibility.

You can also stream the classes. A monthly subscription to Katia’s site, dancebody.com, offers access to over 150 videos of varying lengths. Or try AKT classes from 10-90 minutes at aktinmotion.com.

And don’t worry if you don’t ace the steps at first. “Start with the feet,” says Katia, who mixes planks, burpees, squats and lunges into her beat-thumping routines. “Once you’re happy with the feet, add the arms.” You can also try the routines at home for free, using these exclusive moves anywhere. Blast Beyoncé and get moving!

Toe taps

Stand with your back against a wall, and walk your legs three feet in front of you, keeping shoulders on the wall. Lift toes up, return to floor. Lift heels up, return to floor. That’s one rep. Do 20.

Walkouts

Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Roll upper body down until your hands touch the floor. Walk them out into a plank. Walk your hands back to your feet, roll up to return to stand. That’s one rep. Do 10.

Lateral lunges

Start with feet hip-width apart. Step right leg out to right side, bending knee, sticking butt back and keep left leg straight. Then reach left arm across body and up overhead. Return to start. Do 10 per side.

Ab twists

Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, knees bent, arms straight out in front. Lean back and twist, using ab muscles, to the right, moving arms across your body (keeping them straight). Return to start and twist to the left. Do 10 per side.