Get Energized With This 40-Minute Latin-Inspired Dance Class
Dance classes are such a fun way to mix up your traditional workout routine. Although this video is structured differently than other installments of PS Fit videos, the remix session combines two applause-worthy dance classes from instructor and choreographer Luis Cervantes. Throughout the session, Cervantes provides easy-to-follow instruction, taking viewers through a quick breakdown of salsa basics, including footwork, styling, and emphasizing the movement of the hips.
This group fitness class is definitely a total-body workout, and bound to get your heart rate up, but it's far from being repetitive or boring. In fact, all the dancing during this session is so fun and energizing, you might not even realize the class is nearly an hour long. The salsa-inspired dance foundations, including the footwork patterns, will challenge your coordination and speed, by matching the timing of the beat and the rhythm of the music. "Luis always has the best dance workouts! He never disappoints!" a reviewer says on the original PS Fit YouTube video.
The first portion of the video takes viewers through a dynamic Latin-inspired dance class, building off of basic fundamentals to create more complex movements. Assisted by Tiffany Marie and Madisyn Maniff, instructor and choreographer Cervantes certainly gets the room moving, regardless of level. Starting off slow, the class begins with a gradual and easy warm up. The team shows how to do beginner salsa footwork foundations and side turns, while also loosening up the hips and shoulders.
Even if you've never tried a salsa class before, Cervantes breaks down the technique in a way that's both simple and easy to follow. Some of the highlighted drills include side steps and around-the-world patterns. "Even with no dancing experience, this was so fun!" one reviewer commented on YouTube.
In the second part of the video, dancers Val Valdiviez and Stephanie Jones lend assistance. With an enthusiastic approach, Cervantes guides the class through energizing footwork patterns, arm reaches, and hops. For beginner-friendly modifications, look to Valdiviez on the right hand side of the screen. For example, Cervantes and Valdiviez opt for low-impact options by replacing some of the more high-intensity hops and jumps for side-to-side twists in place and more grounded-based movements.
Whether they're working on quick footwork, box steps or body rolls, Cervantes and the team have so much fun throughout. Cervantes offers simple cues and instructions, and the modifications make the class appropriate for a wide variety of levels.
For the last portion of the class, Ceravantes takes viewers through a relaxing cool down, to reset the mind and bring the heart rate down. The class finishes with stretches for both the upper and lower body, ranging from gentle side bends, forward folds, calf stretches, and neck and shoulder rotations.
Want more workouts? Whether you love strength training, high intensity interval training (HIIT) or simply stretching, there are plenty of options to explore on our PS Fit YouTube channel.
Name: Luis Cervantes
Outfit 1
Mesh top: ASOS
Shirt: Roots
Shorts: Cozi
Outfit 2
Top: Amazon
Tank: Target
Cargo Sweat Shorts: Topman
Shoes: New Balance
Name: Tiffany Marie
Top: Alo Yoga
Pants: ASOS
Name: Madisyn Maniff
Bra: Eleven
Mesh Shorts: ASOS
Pants: ASOS
Name: Valeria Valdiviez
Top: Amazon
Silk Cargo Pants: Nasty Gal
Shoes: Nike
Name: Stephanie Jones
Mesh Top: Skims
Sports Bra: Aritzia
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Nike
Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.