Background information

I did it! One week of dance workouts

15/7/2024

Translation: Elicia Payne

Dancing makes you happy – it’s scientifically proven. But how will I feel after a daily dance workout? I tried it for myself. Read on to hear more about muscle ache that never materialised, inelegant dance attempts and lots of fun.

Exercising makes you happy. Dancing too. And music. Why not combine all three? My next challenge is daily dance workouts for a week. So I look for some video tutorials that I can do every day, for at least half an hour, that really get me going.

Day 1: it takes a bit of convincing

I have to admit, I don’t necessarily have the best coordination when it comes to imitating dance steps and movements fluently. But that shouldn’t stop me from doing the challenge, so I tell myself to just start dancing. Still, I wait until I’m home alone and our two four-legged flatmates can amuse themselves with my contortions.

I start with Madfit who has already featured on my screen and guided me in my I did it! Yoga week. The half hour I planned in is enough for a brief flashback to the 90s and 2000s. After that, I’ve had enough of the, well, let’s say dodgy music input.

But it certainly got me moving and I have to admit – it’s fun! The big question I’m asking myself now is, will I feel it in my muscles tomorrow?

Day 2: practice helps

Surprisingly, my muscles aren’t sore from yesterday. Despite 30 minutes of continuous jumping around, my muscles don’t ache. And even though I really struggled with the music yesterday, I’m going to try Madfit again today. I secretly hope one or two dance steps are easier today. Believe it or not, there’s actually more flow to my moves because I remember them from other videos. I do my dance session in the lunch break before eating. It wasn’t the best idea because I was hungry and lacked the energy to give it my all. My lunch did taste better afterwards but it’s not easy dancing when you’re hungry. Tomorrow I want to try and schedule the workout in the morning or early afternoon.

Day 3: I’m getting into it

Even though I was a bit sluggish yesterday, I was in a good mood for the rest of the day, which I’m sure in part can be put down to the exercise. That’s why, this morning, I’m already full of excitement. My initial apprehension has now disappeared. It doesn’t matter how silly I look jumping around, the main thing is that it’s fun and I work up a sweat.

Today I’m going for a different lead dancer, whose other workouts motivate me every now and then. At least I don’t have to struggle with coordination as much here, as the steps are easier. But I’m not a fan of the music choice – it’s dampening my vibe a bit. I still get a groove on, and not just a bit.

Day 4: thinking keeps you going

Similar to yoga, dancing has the enormous advantage for me that time just flies by. I’m distracted by the fact that I have to concentrate in order to coordinate the step sequences and arm movements as quickly as the dancers in front of me. And every time I’m shocked when the video’s already over. Another plus is definitely the music. Although it’s not exactly my taste, I’m in a better mood! Much better! I’m literally beaming after my workout today. I’ve danced myself into the mood and realise at some point that I’m no longer paying as much attention to the step sequences, instead I’m dancing through the living room singing loudly. Good, that’s what I was hoping for.

Day 5: maybe there’s more to learn

Today I’m taking a systematic approach and getting out the Switch and Just Dance. Here I’m shown every single step and afterwards I get feedback on how I did. I’m actually quite shocked at how difficult it can be to copy steps that seem so simple. Still, I feel like I’m on a learning curve and, most importantly, I really start to sweat again.

Ubisoft Just Dance 2024 Edition (Switch, DE)

Video games

EUR55,93

Ubisoft Just Dance 2024 Edition

Switch, DE

Unfortunately not all the products are available in all our stores yet.

Day 6: Zumba – enough coordination

Just before my dance week is over I’m giving Zumba a go. The only problem is, the extremely positive mood the three in the video convey is quite exhausting at first. It’s too much and comes across superficial. However, my arrogant coolness disappears surprisingly quickly when I catch myself beaming as the jumping picks up speed. Zumba for beginners seems to be more my level of coordination: I can follow the steps easily and tap along to the rhythm for a change. The music ... well, it spreads holiday vibes at least.

Day 7: dancing makes you happy – approved!

You don’t have to go searching for backed science and literature that emphasise the mood-lifting effect from dancing. Music, movement, rhythm – all this leads to the release of endorphins. Frustration, anger and fears give way and are replaced by a joyful, energised feeling and even self-confidence is strengthened. Given my dubious elegance when dancing, I really didn’t expect this and yet I can confirm it’s true.

My thoughts summed up after completing a week of daily dance workouts: dancing (surprisingly to bad music even) makes you feel better! For me, it was definitely worth the effort. Even if I felt tired at first, after a little pep talk with myself I was soon in a good mood. And there was no need to worry about muscle ache the following day. I’ll definitely be adding this new remedy to my activity toolbox for when I’m in a bad mood and pulling it out from time to time.

Want to find out how my other «I did it!» weeks went? Read on, here:

Background information
I did it! Healthy habits put to the test
by Anna Sandner

15 people like this article

Anna Sandner

Senior Editor

Anna.Sandner@galaxus.de

Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always the outdoors - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.

Background information

Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Background information
Childhood nostalgia: the toys we wish we’d got
by Ramon Schneider
Background information
Gaming with Zoe: my daughter’s first time on the Nintendo Switch
by Patrick Vogt
Guide
Hockey again at last: what you need at home or in the arena
by Stephan Lamprecht