Cardio Dance moves students with fun workouts

Elizabeth Hegler | Assistant Lifestyles Editor

It’s a known fact that many students at UNC Wilmington love to dance, but what about doing it for fitness purposes? The Student Recreation Center offers a group exercise class called Cardio Dance that involves cardio movements put to current popular music. 

Utilizing predominantly hip-hop moves, students can get an hour work out dancing along to choreographed dances of their favorite songs. Instructors design their dances to work out all parts of the body, much like a typical cardio workout.

Moves like squats, leg lifts, high knees, jumping jacks, planks and modified curls are commonly used during the hour-long workout.

In the past few weeks, songs such as Justin Biebers “Sorry” and Rihanna’s “Work” have been used, with numerous other popular songs in the mix.  

While not every Cardio Dance class is taught by the same instructor, each takes the time to vary their repertoire and keep things interesting for people who want to come back time and time again.

“I like that they keep some songs the same, that way you come in already knowing some of them, but I also really enjoy how they add something new every time to mix things up, said UNCW junior and regular Cardio Dance attendee Paulina Trujillo. 

Workouts can be done at different levels of intensity, with the instructor typically offering modifications to the dances much like a yoga instructor does in a yoga class. In this way, Cardio Dance works for everyone at any level of physical fitness.  

UNCW senior Claire Paul explained how she got started: “It was because I hate cardio but dancing is fun and it’s something I can enjoy. I do it instead of regular workouts because being in a group setting forces me to complete it or I’ll be embarrassed for quitting early.”

Instructors often take the time to walk the class through the moves before the song begins, giving attendees some prep time to learn the moves before beginning. Even for beginners, the class maintains a welcoming and positive atmosphere.

Honestly, everyone is so concerned with making sure they themselves have it right that if you mess up they won’t notice,” said Paul. “Everyone struggles at first, so don’t feel bad or scared. Just have fun with it and it’ll click eventually!” 

At the current time most Cardio Dance attendees are females. “For the most part it’s female dominated, but every now and then you get a few boys. I think it’s pretty great when guys do come to class because they struggle just like the rest of us and it makes people open up more,” said Trujillo.

This class has potential for diversity, and all genders, body types and personalities are welcome. 

The atmosphere itself is friendly, with colorful LED party lights accentuating the hip hop music to create a very dance oriented atmosphere. Cardio Dance classes are held on Mondays from 8:30-9:30 pm, Tuesdays from 7-8 pm, Wednesdays from 6:15-7:15 pm, and Sundays from 6:30-7:30 pm. The full schedule can be found online at www.uncw.edu/capusrec/fitness/group.html. Attendance is free for students.