Is Low-Impact Aerobic Dance an Effective Cardiovascular Workout?

In brief: Ten women performed four different aerobic dance routines in a randomized crossover study to evaluate energy expenditure. The routines consisted of the following combinations: low intensity, low impact; high intensity, low impact; low intensity, high impact; and high intensity, high impact. The women warmed up for five minutes, then did a 20-minute routine. Metabolic measures were monitored by means of open circuit spirometry and heart rates measured by ECG. Statistical analyses showed that for both high and low intensities, the high-impact routines required a significantly greater energy expenditure, regardless of heart rate. Thus for low-impact dance to meet the minimum guidelines for exercise suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine, it should be performed at high intensity.