I love dance aerobic workouts that actually use dance movements. It is a subjective distinction as most movements can be dance movements. However, there is a difference between dance aerobics intended for exercise and dance intended for socializing or creative expression. Occasionally, there are dance workouts that make a good compromise between exercise and dance as an art form (or social activity). The Salsa Dance Workout by Salsa Crazy is one of those dance workouts!
Disclosure: I received a review copy of the Salsa Dance Workout, I have previously reviewed other dance instructional DVDs from this same company so I suppose I have an ongoing relationship with them as a reviewer.
Workout Summary: Salsa Dance Workout
Instructor: SalsaCrazy
Difficulty Level: Beginner and intermediate to Salsa Dance
Runtime: 120 minutes divided into sections including Stretching and isolations (19 minutes) Breakdown/instruction: (30 minutes), Intermediate workout with music (30 minutes), and a 7 minute bonus workout
Purpose: Aerobic exercise, Salsa dance practice and fun
Music: upbeat salsa music, it has a kind of vintage feel to my ear kind of like “Big Band” with a Latin flair like you might hear in the background of some Latin cuisine restaurants.
Equipment Used: none, maybe some dance shoes (not trainers as they might stick to the floor while dancing especially during pivots and turns).
Menus and Chapters: Well chaptered with instructional and continuous workout sections
Impact Level: low impact
Setting: brightly lit dance studio environment, the instructors movements are visible
What I Like About This Workout:
I like that it uses actual Salsa dance movements and Salsa music! I would rate the intensity as low-to-moderate aerobic (likely the infamous “fat burning zone” on a heart rate monitor). I feel it is similar to a brisk walk or a walking workout video (i.e. Leslie Sansone).
The instruction is separate from the workout. This is my ideal for dance workouts and sadly not enough DVD producers do this. To use pure dance moves some instruction is generally needed. However, once you learn the movements it gets tedious to hear the break down over and over and it also slows down the workout. My ideal dance cardio workout would include a separate instructional section, then chapters where you just do the workout to music with minimal cues. This meets my criteria–the actual workout (beginner and intermediate) has minimal cues–just the move called out and counting. I have mixed feelings about the counting as I would love to just listen to the music, but think it would be valuable to a lot of users especially those who believe themselves to be rhythm challenged or who are taking salsa dance lessons.
I think this DVD would be a good practice companion for people who enjoy Salsa dancing or who are learning. I should mention that both the instructors do the lead (or men’s) version of the footwork. However a female or follow could just mirror the steps. I will let you in on a secret, I naturally mirror a DVD instructor anyway as my brain isn’t as good at processing the information to use the same side (unless they clearly mirror cue). Experienced dancers could also embellish on top of the routine. I am a beginner with Salsa, but I do tend to add some flowing arm movements for the workout just to up the intensity a little. I likely would not do those movements partner dancing.
This Workout DVD Might Not Be For You If:
You may be disappointed if you want a vigorous or intense aerobic workout. Intensity is subjective and varies by the person, but I find it similar in intensity to a walk, an evening dancing socially or a walking workout DVD.
The production quality isn’t the highest that I have seen. However, I can forgive that since the DVD is well chaptered and organized, the instruction clear and the movements visible.
Where to Purchase the Salsa Dance Workout:
Amazon affiliate link to follow, if you click on the Amazon link and make a purchase I receive a modest commission (at no additional expense to you)…
The Salsa Dance Workout is available on SalsaCrazy.com and on Amazon. Click here to see the Amazon listing for the Salsa Dance Workout.
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