Like square dancing? Try these 4 dance workouts

The latest fitness fad to hit China has some very American roots.

Square dancing is pulling millions of Chinese seniors off the couch and into public squares to socialize, keep fit and have fun.

Yan Fuzhi, 71, is one of an estimated 100 million Chinese square dancers. Yan said square dancing helps him lose weight and get rid of bad habits.

“I used to sit watching TV, which is bad for my heart and causes high blood pressure,” Yan said. “But I’m really happy when I dance, listening to the music, chatting and laughing. All my problems go away.”

Whether you’ve never square danced before or just haven’t in a long time, consider getting on the dance floor or taking classes. It’s a great cardio exercise and a fantastic way to make friends.

If square dancing isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for other dance workouts to try, consider these four types that are perfect for older adults:

Line dancing

A line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the dancers, all facing one another or in the same direction, and executing the same steps at the same time.

Robert Bonett, of Sunrise, Fla., teaches line dancing in his SilverSneakers FLEX classes and says the class trains the body and mind.

“[Line dancing] exercises the body, lifts one’s spirits, and helps keep the mind functioning as it requires remembering patterns,” Robert says. “Amazing what a person can do when they make up their mind to be active and stay young.”

Zumba

Zumba is a group exercise class that incorporates Latin-style dance moves to improve cardio health and burn calories. It incorporates different types of dance, plus a warm-up and cool-down to provide a well-rounded workout.

Benefits of Zumba classes include:

• better heart health
• improved brain function
• weight loss
• greater mobility
• social interaction
• stronger muscles and bones
• stress relief

Healthways BOOM

For those who want a more fast-paced, higher-intensity group fitness class, there’s BOOM. The Move It class teaches you dance moves from every era (think the Twist to Vogue) while improving cardio endurance.

You can sign up for a BOOM class by visiting a participating location, and it’s free for SilverSneakers members.

SilverSneakers Classic

SilverSneakers Classic is another group fitness class that uses dance to get your heart pumping. A SilverSneakers instructor specially trained for older adult fitness will help you tailor your workout to your skills and fitness level.

The class focuses on having fun and moving to music. It increases muscular strength and range of motion to give you functional fitness, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.

SilverSneakers Classic uses and provides hand-held weights, resistance bands and a SilverSneakers ball. For standing support, stretching and relaxation exercises, chairs are available.