It partly depends on exactly which moves youre busting out.

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

You cant help but wonder, Does dancing count as cardio?

Well, that depends.

woman sweating in the gym

…

Maybe youre just shimmying your shoulders, or maybe youre full on doing the worm.

To get those adaptations, she says, you typically need a continuous bout ofsteady-state activity.

For the most part, this does count as some jot down of cardiorespiratory training, Dr. Reed says.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

The key is getting your heart rate high enough.

If you do get that intensity level up there, however, there can be some legitheart health benefits.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

But its not impossible.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

However, those bigger, faster moves can be pretty strenuous.

So the kind of dance that counts as cardio isnt the most accessible form of exercise.

Though it would depend on the genre you choose, she says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

But I would completely back up that the benefits are there for all ages, Dr. Descoteaux says.

Dancing to music can also make getting your heart rate upfeela little easier than it might otherwise.

That means youre more likely to work harder without even realizing it because the music is driving you.

It’s almost like mental stimulation to push a little bit more, she says.

Maybe most importantly, dancing is also just funand a great way to connect with other people.

This can mean youre more likely to stick with it.

Dr. Descoteaux saysresearch showsdance has a higher adherence rate than traditional forms of cardio.

But doing something that youreallylove makes it so easy to do it.

The bottom line: If dancing is what you love to do, embrace it.

Just keep your expectations in check.

It’s just probably not going to inch you closer to performing well in the upcoming half marathon.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.