Dancing is one of the most popular workouts for beginners, following the choreography while keeping on beat is a great way to move your body, release endorphins and have fun. But, what if you struggle to follow along? Is turning the wrong way that bad?
Photo by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay
I did ballet, flamenco, contemporary dance and even belly dancing when I was a kid and guess what? I pretty much sucked at everything. While children's classes are certainly far more competitive than your local Zumba class, self-consciousness from being stiff and uncoordinated can last to adulthood. Every time I attended a dance class, I felt hyper vigilant of every single step and movement, making the experience feels less like a dance party and more like a hard test. When I discovered YouTube dance workouts, I finally felt free to unwind in the privacy of my home and properly observe the steps. Rewinding and practicing with easier follow along routines has helped to improve my coordination and even learn some common steps. Even if my sense of rhythm is practically nonexistent, I'm now far less stiff by just following along and not worrying about perfection that much.
Besides frequent practice, working on your cardio endurance and mobility is also key to improve your dancing and overall fitness. That's why most beginner dance classes feel more like working out and less like dancing, you need to build a solid athletic foundation first to keep up with actual choreography. Though they might not be what comes to mind when you think of dancing, these workouts can be just as fun and far easier to follow along for beginners. So, if you're ready to give them a try, here are some of the best recommendations to practice at home. I shall be rating the workouts by difficulty with stars, with one star being easiest to three stars being more of a challenge.
Difficulty: ★
Modifications provided?: Yes
Step previews: Yes
Playlist: Here
Emkfit is one of my favorite creators on the platform due to her realistic approach to fitness and goof sense of humor. Unlike other dance workouts on the platform, you just alternate between two dance moves with rest intervals in between. While it might sounds easy, her clever choice of moves will certainly make you sweat while having fun. Another plus is that she uses songs by popular artists so you'll probably like her choice of music.
Difficulty: ★
Modifications provided?: No, mostly low impact
Step previews: Yes
Playlist: Here
Fit and Fab is a relatively new channel I've found recently; their channel specializes on walking and dance workouts. Aimed at beginners, steps are previewed on the screen to follow along the choreography. With non stop fun moves and music from popular artists, these dance workouts are a solid choice for newbies. And if you want to step it up, routines with optional light dumbbells are also available on the channel.
Difficulty: ★
Modifications provided?: Mostly low impact
Step previews: Verbal cues
Playlist: Here
Up to the Beat Fitness is run by Gina, a former competitive dancer from Australia. She uses her experience as a dancer to easily demonstrate basic dance footwork, creating dynamic routines that feel more like proper dance classes.
Difficulty: ★
Modifications provided?: Mostly low impact
Step previews: No
Playlist: No yet available
Fitness Heroes is a channel created by three friends and focused on dance and strength cardio for beginners. With constant low impact moves, these workouts will raise your heart beat without being fatiguing. Though the music is royalty free, the songs are nice enough and the choreography is mostly on beat.
Difficulty: ★★
Modifications provided?: Mostly low impact
Step previews: Verbal cues
Playlist: Here
Molly is a New York based fitness trainer with a varied repertoire of workouts in her channel. Her dance videos infuse choreographed moves inspired by the music with bodyweight moves for a complete workout. And unlike the majority of dance workouts on the platform, she occasionally uses metal and rock music in her videos.
Difficulty: ★★
Modifications provided?: No
Step previews: Newer workouts have on screen preview
Playlist: Here
If you're a Kpop fan, you'll surely love Vivian's workouts. With routines inspired by the original choreography of each song and energetic moves, you will feel like a Kpop star at home. Though the moves might not be as complex as actual Kpop choreography, they look cool enough to make you feel confident and motivated.
Difficulty: ★★
Modifications provided?: Low impact
Step previews: Yes
Light dumbbells or weights required
Playlist: Here
I discovered Mike and Sophie's channel fairly recently and instantly loved their video format. Using light dumbbells with alternating exercises and dance inspired movements is a refreshing twist to the usual YouTube dance workouts. With excellent editing and a clear format for beginners, their channel will test your endurance while holding light weights.
Difficulty: ★★
Modifications provided?: Provides low impact videos
Step previews: Yes
Playlist: Here
Kaji is a YouTuber from Germany; her dance focused videos are rapidly becoming popular on the platform. With her positive energy and clean editing, her routines blend aerobic style moves with easy dance steps. With a growing video catalogue aimed at beginners, Kaji's channel will surely become a top choice for dance workouts soon.
Difficulty: ★★★
Modifications provided?: No
Step previews: No
Playlist: Here
MadFit is one of YouTube's top fitness creators. Her workouts filmed in real time have inspired millions around the world to work out at home. Blending traditional fitness moves with dance steps, these routines are a high energy workout aimed at all levels. You might struggle to follow along her fast moves but you'll surely sweat a ton while trying.
Difficulty: ★★★
Modifications provided?: No
Step previews: Yes
Playlist: Here
Afroletics is a new channel with workouts inspired by Afro dance and fitness exercises. With original music and steps based on popular dance styles from all over Africa, these routines will challenge your coordination and endurance. Even if the steps can be hard, the clear previews and timers will help you to follow along.
Difficulty: All levels, depending on the instructor
Modifications provided?: Yes
Step previews: No
Playlist: Here
PS Fit is a wonderful resource for home workout enjoyers on YouTube. Offering videos ranging from strength training to kickboxing, barre and more, their workouts feature professional instructors from all over the world. Routines based on diverse dance styles are available on their channel, taught with full vocal instructions and modifications for all levels. Most of their workouts are aimed at beginners though intensity may vary depending on the instructor and dance style. Some of my favorite routines are taught by Nicole Steen, Kaleila Jordan, Luis Cervantes and Deja Riley.
Always keep in mind that making mistakes is part of the journey, especially if you have no dance experience. Any dancer will tell you that practicing a choreography many times is the best way of mastering it, so if you struggle with a routine at first, don't hesitate to try it again. And even if you feel silly or ridiculous at times, having fun and moving your body should be your priority above everything.
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