Fun and Effective At-Home Dance Workouts for All Levels

Dance anytime, anywhere

“I’m proud of my decisions in my life and that I keep growing every day and working hard on my craft,” Lee says. “I have a healthy body … [and] my heart is full.”

The benefits of at-home dance workouts, whether physical or psychological, are innumerable. On the physical side, dancing can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness, as well as build up your strength and flexibility. Besides breaking a sweat, dancing has been suggested to lower stress, improve mood, and, as Lee would agree with, boost confidence.

Zumba-inspired cardio

If you’re looking for something high energy, a Zumba-inspired cardio dance workout might be your perfect match. With Latin-inspired high-energy beats, beginner-friendly moves, and motivating routines, it’s the perfect entrypoint for beginner dancers or athletes looking for low-impact workouts.

Because Zumba is a more instructor-dependent practice, one of the best ways to get into this style of dance is with online videos. Across YouTube, there are countless 20-minute, beginner-friendly Zumba videos to help you get your groove on. Once you find a virtual instructor that you click with, you can fully immerse yourself in your Zumba journey.

Hip-hop dance cardio

For a full body workout that doubles as a major confidence booster, hip-hop is the perfect blend of workout and dance. When doing hip-hop dance cardio, the best way to start is by learning basic moves and combining them into a full-body workout.

If you’re looking for a place to start your hip-hop journey, there are plenty of dance tutorials to choose from. A standout is the “Dance Cardio for Beginners” video series by MadFit. Between her approachable pace and positive attitude, you’ll be two-stepping in no time.

Ballet Barre

While it might seem like you need a studio to practice Barre, there are plenty of ways to do this versatile dance style at home. Using a chair or a countertop to replace the support of the ballet barre can help you master those graceful moves without a pricey class. Plus, Barre’s emphasis on low-impact, muscle-toning moves makes it a great choice for a home exercise.

New to Barre? Not a problem. This style of dance doesn’t have to be intimidating. Exercise platforms, like Obé Fitness, can help you — literally — get your feet off of the ground.

TikTok dance routines

If you have the TikTok app, you’re well aware of how effective — and addictive — a short video can be. Why not channel that into your fitness routine? Practicing trending TikTok dances, or ones that are specifically intended for aerobic exercise, is a fun, casual way to get your blood pumping.

With its user-friendly search bar, TikTok makes it easy to find the right at-home dance workout for you. Start by searching up tutorials for viral TikTok challenges that catch your eye, or look for dance workouts that target your preferred muscle groups. The possibilities are limitless!

POPSUGAR dance workouts

If you’re not sure which style of dance most catches your eye, you can use the website POPSUGAR Fitness to help you find your favorite. Through POPSUGAR, you can explore a variety of styles, from modern salsa rhythms to 1980’s aerobics. And, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can combine them into something truly custom to you.

Access POPSUGAR Fitness on the website itself or through their YouTube channel. The most popular videos range from 10 to 30 minutes long, making them adaptable for even the busiest schedules.

10-minute dance breaks

For aspiring fitness dancers with busy schedules, these quick, 10-minute dance routines can give you a burst of energy at any time of day. With their short durations, these workouts are endlessly versatile and easy to do anytime, from starting your morning off to breaking up your work day.

Set the scene

When it comes to dancing at home, you don’t want to feel limited by space. That’s why it’s important to create a dedicated space with enough room to move freely. Clear the area of coffee tables and small furniture for true range of movement. Using a good quality sound system — whether a speaker or headphones — can also keep you in the moment.

Dress the part

Dressing for an at-home dance workout doesn’t require a trip to the store — just make sure that you’re wearing comfortable, breathable clothing. The right outfit will allow for a wide range of motion, and include supportive footwear to prevent injury.

Make it a habit

Finding the right dance workout is only half of the challenge. The other includes making sure you stick to it. While it might seem tempting to keep these dance breaks spontaneous, you’ll find it more effective to schedule your sessions in advance. Doing so will help you build consistency and integrate these workouts into your routine.

Track your progress

Once you’ve locked in your routine, these beginner-friendly playlists will help you dance the day away.

There’s no better time — or place — to start your dance workout journey than at home. In a comfortable, judgement-free environment, you’ll be free to go at your own pace and try out a variety of new styles.