Most hip hop routines include a combination of disco and break dancing moves, including "popping and locking." Popping and locking is basically a series of flexed muscle-jerking moves with the arms, legs, neck, shoulders and torso. Popping and locking entails contracting the muscles all over the body, which builds firmness, definition, tone and strength.
The same hip hop dance moves that build firmer, stronger muscles also have positive effects on the heart and lungs. Vigorous exercise is known to increase your heartbeat and pulse rate. Since your heart and lungs are also muscles, hip hop dancing is a cardiovascular workout that is effective in strengthening your heart and lungs and promoting good blood circulation.
Increased cardiovascular activity -- an aerobic workout -- is an ideal way to break a sweat and burn fat and calories. By picking up the pace while performing hip hop dance moves, you can raise your heart rate to help burn fat and calories faster. Frequent and rigorous hip hip dancing sessions can substantially assist in weight loss while toning and strengthening muscles for a lean and sculpted physique.
Advanced hip hip routines usually consist of a number of break dancing moves and stunts, such as balancing, or hopping, on one leg; flipping; handstands; or spinning on your back or head. These moves require a considerable amount of professional instruction and practice. Mastering certain hip hop dance moves can effectively improve your balance, coordination and agility.
Hip hop dancing brings great satisfaction to people for a number of reasons. If you enjoy hip hop music and dancing, the entertainment value alone is a pleasure. Knowing that you are keeping your body healthy and looking good often brings positive feelings of confidence to hip hop dancers. If you enjoy attending night clubs and dance parties, learning hip hop dance moves can help break down any embarrassment or inhibitions you may have about dancing in public or keeping up with current dance trends.