What to expect at a DanceTone class

Wondering which ‘en Joy dance fitness class is right for you? Next up in this series of in-depth blogs about our sessions is a focus on DanceTone with Helen!

What is DanceTone?

DanceTone takes inspiration from the LBT format but this isn’t your traditional ‘legs, bums, tums’ class! You’ll find zero sit ups here and it’s a fully standing (no mat work) dance-based muscular strength and endurance class, using bodyweight and (optional) banded resistance and/or light hand weights.

Focusing on functional fitness in a fun way, the class combines choreographed routines with strength training and the option to add looped resistance bands of varying strengths for those wanting more of a challenge. The bands also assist in activating the correct muscles and help you achieve the correct form. With a focus on lower body toning, the routines target legs, glutes and core, the muscle groups which aid in functional everyday movement and balance, along with upper body combat style choreography and weighted upper body focused routines for an all-round workout.

Resistance training is particularly important from middle age, as muscle mass and bone mass generally begin to gradually decrease from the mid-thirties, more so if a person is largely inactive. The decrease in oestrogen from menopause onwards also makes women more susceptible to loss of bone mass than men, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis in later life.

DanceTone aims to bridge the gap between dance fitness and strength training, introducing resistance work to group dance fitness classes, to offer something a little bit different to a standard ‘legs, bums, tums’ type of class, for those who prefer an uplifting dance-focused session.