Hip-hop aerobics combines dance moves with strengthening exercises to create a cardiovascular workout that tones muscles. It is often taught in a class format with fast-paced hip-hop music and can be done at home with instructional videos. Participants wear comfortable clothing and may dress in traditional hip-hop attire.
Hip-hop aerobics is a form of exercise that combines dance moves with strengthening exercises. Most of the time, this type of aerobic exercise is designed to feel more like dancing than working out. It is usually paired with fast-paced hip-hop music and incorporates many of the moves common to the dance style. However, the goal is not to learn routines or perform performances. People participate in hip-hop aerobics to get a good cardiovascular workout and tone the muscles in the arms, legs, and abdominal region.
Most of the moves in hip-hop aerobics are directly derived from the dance style of the same name. Hip-hop is a decidedly American style of dance that draws on elements of traditional African, Latin American, and Asian dance. The steps are usually very fast, and the whole body is involved in creating the central dance expression. This can involve anything from twists to headstands to arm waves.
In aerobic exercises, the main goal is usually to capitalize on the hip-hop body movement movements and repeat them in sequence so that the muscles fatigue and build up. Instructors essentially turn dance moves into exercise routines in such a way that participants feel like they are in a dance class or nightclub instead of the gym. The addition of hip-hop music usually adds to the vibe.
Hip-hop music is very fast-paced, and often incorporates elements of rap recitations. Dance and exercise moves generally attempt to keep up with the music with handclaps, elbows, and jumps. The songs often flow seamlessly into each other, creating a more or less seamless training experience. Most hip-hop aerobics sessions are designed to last about an hour, but much of this is up to the individual instructor.
This style of aerobic exercise is usually taught in a class format and is commonly offered through gyms or health clubs. A trained instructor selects music and creates a basic exercise program. Participants generally line up in front of the instructor, much like they would in a dance class. They mimic the instructor’s movements and follow her commands.
Not all gyms offer hip-hop aerobics, as classes are generally offered only in proportion to local demand. However, classes are not the only way to learn the moves or benefit from exercise. A large number of hip-hop aerobics instructions are available on video or digitally for download online. Dance videos can be watched and followed in living rooms, recreation rooms, or any open space. Videos are often good options for beginners, as the instructions can be played, paused, and slowed down as many times as needed to master the steps.
Participants in hip-hop aerobics usually wear what they would wear for any aerobic exercise: comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. Depending on the venue, participants may be invited to dress in traditional hip-hop attire, typically characterized by loose-fitting clothing, name-brand sportswear jackets, and baseball caps or headscarves. Gold jewelry is also traditionally popular, but is typically discouraged in a sporting setting, as it can make fast movements more challenging and can sometimes even be dangerous to other participants.
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