By Anna O.   
Lost 80 Pounds from 230 Pounds

Do you want a good way to burn calories, shed pounds, losing weight fast, get toned, and having fun at the same time? Then, I strongly suggest the “Dancing with the Stars” dvd cardio dance exercise to start losing weight while learning how to dance like the pro.  The 3 instructors are from the show: Ashly Costa, Kym Johnson, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.   

The dances are 4: Paso Doble, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, and Jive. Imagine, we need to burn 3500 calories for each pound of stored fat.  So, let’s start dancing to burn those calories and shed pounds! 

If you have watched the show and love the dancing routines, then, go get this DVD. 

I bought this “Dancing with the Stars” cardio exercise because I love dancing and wanted to start losing weight while toning. Dancing is the best exercise for losing weight while having fun,
 getting a toned body, burning calories, losing pounds, and even getting rid of belly fat! 

The instructions are well explained.  Good thing is that one doesn’t need a partner to start learning the dancing routines. Of course, if you can get a partner to practice your steps, it will be just great.

1. The CHA CHA CHA section. 

The routine, steps are simple, although they look complicated.  It is a medium-intensity workout. This is one of my favorite part. Ashly transmits so much confidence, and happiness when dancing.  She makes you feel that you really can learn how to dance the CHA CHA CHA like the professionals in the show: sexy, lively and flirtatious.  Way to go Ashly!    

This medium-intensity dancing routine will help you tone mostly your midsection.  I noticed improvement with my abs and waistline.  You can get great abs exercises just by doing the CHA CHA CHA steps.  A good home cardio exercise to get flat abs.

Steps include: the  New Yorker, Triple steps (Chassez) and rock steps which are the basic components of the Cha Cha Cha, among others.  My favorite step was the New Yorker.  If you want to get a flat stomach, start dancing CHA CHA CHA ... and it is fun! 

2.  The Paso Doble section 

The Paso Doble section is great and steps are well done with the majestic march and the Spanish Torrero pose.  I find it more useful for toning the lower body.  Of couse, upper body toning is also included, it is more a low-intensity cardio.  The instructions are well done and Maksim demonstrates the character of a true “torrero”.  OLE! It is a good section to tone the legs, buns, arms, core. 

Steps include: chassez cape - where the man uses the woman as the cape to bring her around, the Apel (this is when the man stamps his foot as if he is  - trying to attract the bull’s attention). For a strong cardio exercise I go for the JIVE.

3. The Jive section 

On the other hand, the JIVE section, it is good too, but only when doing the “faster” steps, indications are not that clear on how to switch from moderate to “fast” steps to execute them well.  The section is taught by Ashly, Kym, and Maksim. The Jive section is the faster one.  It is a high intenstiy workout to speed up your metabolism and make you burn calories. 

This is where you really increase your heart beat and boost your metabolism to burn fat with the combination moves of the Lindy and Swing. For me, it was the best cardio exercise. Hey, try to keep up with Maksim's dancing intensity... not easy, but is worth it!  You burn calories like crazy, work your entire body. Burning general calories, will burn belly fat too.  Go all the way "JIVE" until you get your flat stomach and show your toned abs. 

Steps include: the basic movement chassez to the left chassez to the right and a rock step (meaning changing weight from one foot to the other), flick, ball, change movmeent (where you stand on one foot and kick down at the same time), kicking combination, etc..

Maksim is great, adorable, and transmit that confidence as you are talking to a big brother.  I love his enthusiasm and natural way of dancing even when doing shoulders shimmings. Maksim is a good example of a toned body. His upper body is terrific, plus those great shoulders… Go Maksim!

4.  The “SAMBA” section

This section is a basic international samba.  I was expecting more a “Brazilian” samba with more hips and abs movements.  Yet, it is good to learn basic steps and cause a good impression when dancing samba at a party.  It is a medium-intensity workout. So, go for it. By the way, Kym is the instructor of this section and she is great.  I admire her toned abs.  GREAT KYM!

Steps include: The Basic step Volta (which is a crossing action in front of the body, where you step across with the classic Brazilian bounce), the Botafogo, walking samba, etc..

The great “test” comes at the end. There is a Bonus Freestyle Routine that will test your new dance skills. You will have fun while burning calories and getting a toned body. It is an entertaining new dancing with the star dvd.

 Suggestions:

• You can do it in the comfort of your own home.  Use a mirror to check your steps and how they look when dancing.  
• Wear comfortable clothing, tights, or shorts to appreciate each step.
• Do it at least 3 times a week.  Once you dominate the basic routine do the “Bonues Freestyle Routine” which will help you burn more stored fat faster and check your dancing abilities.
• Make sure to have your bottle of water ( I usually have 3!)

From the scale of 1 to 10, I give this Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance an 8. It is a good dance exercise. Congratulations again to Ashly, Kym, and Maksim, and as Bruno Tonioli would say, “10!” for helping us learn how to dance the Cha cha cha, Paso Doble, Samba, and Jive while getting a toned body and losing pounds.

Click here  for a wide selection of instructional ballroom dancing videos and dvds.  

By the way, my favorite couple was “Karina Smirnoff and Mario Lopez.”  And who can forget the enthusiastic Cha cha cha and mambo of Cheryl Burke and  Emmitt Smith! It was delightful, pure latino flavor!

Which one is your favorite couple and your favorite dance?

Your Weight Loss friend,

Anna O.

You can also visit my weight loss blog for more tips  http://howyoucanloseweightnow.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna O., Overweight No More, shows you the weight loss tips she used to lose 80 pounds from 230 pounds and keeping the weight off for over 3 years. She reveals not only how YOU can lose weight, but also how YOU can keep it off while eating regular meals not strict weight loss diets. Start YOUR Weight Loss Program today and lose pounds! I am ready to help YOU lose weight, are you ready?
http://howyoucanloseweightnow.com

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