The University of Toronto’s new Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) is now open and holding fitness classes for U of T students, staff, and TPASC members.
This week, I attended the one-hour Dancefit class, which incorporates music and dance moves into an exhilarating workout. Unlike Zumba, which mostly focuses on Latin-inspired dance, Dancefit uses a greater variety of hip-hop, pop, socca, reggae, R&B, and classics like swing.
This class was open to people of all dance backgrounds, from experienced dancers to those who had never danced before. Because this class required no equipment, it was simple to adjust the pace to all of the participants.
The class began with a slow-paced hip-hop introduction; as it progressed, the pace and tempo gradually picked up. By the fifteenth minute, I was already sweating and feeling the burn all over my legs.
The best part, I found, is that once you get into the rhythm, you forget that you are even working out. The casual, friendly, and inviting atmosphere takes your mind off of the burning.
The instructor was very welcoming and exciting; she made sure that everyone was able to follow along. With such a fun and energetic instructor, the class felt more like a party than a workout.
The dance moves themselves were just the slightest bit challenging, but because the class consisted of many repeating moves and sequences, it was easy to pick up the routine and follow along.
The challenge of learning the new dance moves makes this class a workout and not just a dance session in your room. The class ended with a yoga-like cool down session.
This class is perfect for those interested in a fun, new way to exercise. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick workout that is different and fun, but still as efficient as the typical gym workout.
All you need to participate is your TCard, a bottle of water, running shoes, and some comfortable clothes. Dancefit is offered on Mondays at 6:00 pm in Studio 1, and is free for U of T students and staff.
