Movement:

Aerobic dance is an activity that uses a wide variety of aerobic movements set to the beat of music. Typically an instructor will perform simple to complex movements that the class will follow in an effort to increase the heart rate and cardiopulmonary fitness.

Anyone with the permission of their physician, who can tolerate light to high impact workouts, may participate in dance aerobics.

Aerobic dance can be a highly social exciting way to burn calories and get fit. Those who wish to stay at home may use a wide variety of dance aerobic tapes and obtain equal fitness results.

Key Points:

The American Podiatric Medical Association states: "The benefits of aerobics include increased cardiopulmonary efficiency, strengthened heart and lungs, improved circulation, lowered cholesterol levels, and stress and anxiety reduction." Concerned with the high impact nature of the exercise they suggest: "Proper shoes are crucial to successful, injury-free aerobics. Shoes should provide sufficient cushioning and be shock absorption to compensate for the pressure on the foot many times greater than found in walking. They must also have good medial-lateral stability. Impact forces from aerobics can reach up to six times the force of gravity, which is transmitted to each of the 26 bones in the foot."

Caution:

People with a history of cardiac problems are required to clear any such activity with their physician before beginning this type of activity.