The Benefits of Combining Muscle Conditioning with Cardio Dance Exercise

When it comes to exercise, many of us gravitate towards the activities that bring us the most joy. For a lot of people, cardio dance exercises hit that sweet spot—combining the rhythm and fun of dancing with the heart-pumping benefits of cardio. That’s certainly been my jam for as long as I can remember!

But what if you could elevate your dance workouts even further? Enter muscle conditioning: a powerful addition to your fitness routine that brings a host of benefits, especially as we age. And the best part? It can be done with body weight, small weights, or resistance bands, all while feeling great and embracing a body-neutral approach.

Why Muscle Conditioning Matters—Especially as We Age

As we grow older, maintaining muscle mass becomes crucial for overall health and mobility. Muscle conditioning strengthens our muscles, improves bone density, and enhances our balance and coordination—all of which are key to preventing falls and injuries as we age. By incorporating muscle conditioning into your cardio dance routine, you’re not only improving your dance skills but also investing in long-term health and independence.

Regular muscle conditioning helps combat the natural decline in muscle mass that occurs with age. This decline can lead to a slower metabolism, reduced strength, and even a higher risk of chronic conditions. By keeping your muscles strong, you’re actively working to maintain your vitality and energy levels, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

The Joy of Muscle Conditioning: It’s About How You Feel

One of the best things about muscle conditioning is how it makes you feel. There’s something incredibly satisfying about feeling your muscles engage as you lift small weights or push against the resistance of a band. It’s empowering to feel strong, capable, and connected to your body. And when you pair muscle conditioning with the joyful movement of dance, the experience becomes even more rewarding.

The focus here is on feeling good—both during and after your workout. Muscle conditioning, when done mindfully, can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and physical well-being. It’s not about chasing a certain look or meeting external expectations; it’s about enjoying the process and appreciating what your body can do.

Body Weight, Small Weights, or Bands: Choose What Feels Right for You

Muscle conditioning is wonderfully versatile, and you don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. In fact, your own body weight is one of the most effective tools you have. Exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can all be done with just your body weight, and they’re perfect for building strength and endurance.

If you prefer a little more challenge, small weights can be a great addition. They add resistance to your movements, helping to build muscle and improve bone density. And for those who like a bit of variety, resistance bands are a fantastic option. They’re lightweight, portable, and can be used in countless ways to target different muscle groups.

The key is to choose what feels right for you. Whether you’re using body weight, small weights, or bands, the goal is the same: to strengthen your muscles, support your overall health, and, most importantly, to feel good while doing it.

A Body-Neutral Approach: It’s All About You

At the heart of this practice is a body-neutral approach. This means focusing on how your body feels and what it can do, rather than how it looks. It’s about respecting and appreciating your body for its strength, resilience, and capability, without placing value on appearance. This approach allows you to engage in exercise in a way that is both empowering and sustainable, free from the pressures of external standards.

When you combine muscle conditioning with cardio dance, you’re creating a routine that is as enjoyable as it is beneficial. You’re not just working out; you’re celebrating movement, strength, and the joy that comes from taking care of yourself.

Conclusion

Incorporating muscle conditioning into your cardio dance routine is a powerful way to enhance your fitness, support your health as you age, and feel great in your body. With options like body weight exercises, small weights, or resistance bands, you can tailor your workouts to suit your needs and preferences. And by embracing a body-neutral approach, you can focus on the joy of movement and the satisfaction that comes from feeling strong and capable. So, let’s dance, strengthen, and celebrate our bodies—exactly as they are!

Join a brand new class called DanceFit Strong  (launching Oct 2/24 9:45am online via Zoom) to fit in some essential strengthening movement!