Why Tango Is a Popular Workout: Benefits You Should Know

1. What Is Tango as a Workout?
2. The Fitness Benefits of Tango Dancing
3. Tango and Mental Health: Emotional Benefits
4. Tango vs. Other Dance Workouts
5. How to Get Started with Tango as a Workout

1. What Is Tango as a Workout?

Tango, originally a passionate dance from Argentina, has found its place as a popular workout routine in recent years. Unlike traditional cardio exercises, tango combines graceful movements with intricate footwork, making it a full-body workout that engages both the mind and body. It's an elegant and expressive dance form that challenges dancers to synchronize with their partner while maintaining balance, flexibility, and strength.

Although tango is known for its dramatic and romantic flair, it’s also a powerful form of physical exercise. Whether you're dancing in a social setting or attending a tango class specifically designed for fitness, you’ll find that the rhythmic movements and patterns provide great cardiovascular benefits and tone various muscle groups.

2. The Fitness Benefits of Tango Dancing

Tango dancing offers a range of physical benefits that make it an effective and enjoyable workout. Below are the key fitness advantages of incorporating tango into your exercise routine:

Improved Cardiovascular Health: The quick-paced movements in tango elevate the heart rate, making it a fantastic cardio workout. Consistent dancing helps to improve heart health and stamina, much like other aerobic exercises.
Full-Body Toning: Tango engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, legs, arms, and back. The constant shifting of weight and fluid movements provide an excellent way to tone muscles and improve overall body strength.
Increased Balance and Coordination: The intricate footwork and precise timing in tango improve balance and coordination. Dancers develop better control over their movements, which can enhance stability both in and out of dance.
Flexibility: Tango involves a combination of stretching and bending movements that help improve flexibility, especially in the hips, back, and legs. Over time, dancers experience greater flexibility, which can reduce the risk of injury.
Calorie Burn: Although it might not seem like a high-intensity workout, tango can burn a significant number of calories. Depending on the intensity of the dance, you can burn anywhere between 200 and 400 calories per hour.

3. Tango and Mental Health: Emotional Benefits

In addition to its physical benefits, tango dancing has a profound impact on mental health. Here's how tango can boost your emotional well-being:

Stress Relief: The rhythmic movements of tango, along with the emotional connection between dance partners, help reduce stress and anxiety. The focus required to perform the dance can also take your mind off daily worries and provide a mental escape.
Improved Mood: Dancing releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which help lift your mood and combat feelings of sadness or depression. Tango, with its sensual and engaging rhythm, naturally improves emotional well-being.
Boosted Self-Esteem: The mastery of tango movements increases confidence as dancers see themselves improving. The sense of accomplishment and personal growth fosters positive self-esteem and a sense of pride.
Enhanced Social Interaction: Tango is often danced with a partner, fostering connection and communication. The social aspect of tango can lead to strong relationships and a sense of community, contributing to reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.

4. Tango vs. Other Dance Workouts

While there are numerous dance workouts out there, tango stands out for its unique combination of passion, precision, and physicality. Here’s how tango compares to other popular dance workouts like Zumba, salsa, and ballroom dancing:

Tango vs. Zumba: Zumba is an upbeat, high-energy workout that focuses on cardio and fat burning through fast-paced routines set to Latin music. While Zumba is great for improving cardiovascular endurance, tango offers a more controlled and elegant form of exercise, emphasizing balance, core strength, and coordination.
Tango vs. Salsa: Salsa and tango are both Latin dances, but salsa is generally faster-paced and involves more complex footwork, which focuses more on foot speed and rhythm. Tango, on the other hand, is slower and more deliberate, making it ideal for improving posture and developing strength through movement.
Tango vs. Ballroom Dance: Ballroom dancing involves various styles, but tango tends to be more intimate and dramatic. While ballroom is typically partnered dancing with a focus on formal steps and turns, tango is about connecting with your partner and expressing emotion through precise movements and strong leads.

5. How to Get Started with Tango as a Workout

If you’re considering tango as a workout, there are several ways to start:

Take a Class: The best way to learn tango is by taking a class at a local dance studio. Look for classes specifically focused on fitness or beginner tango lessons. Many dance schools also offer group or private lessons to help you master the basics.
Practice at Home: If you don’t have access to a class, you can practice tango steps at home. Many online tutorials and videos are available to help guide your learning. Practicing regularly can help you improve your technique and stamina.
Join Social Dance Events: Tango is a social dance, and joining local tango events or "milongas" can give you the opportunity to practice with others, improve your skills, and have fun while getting fit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Proper footwear is essential when learning tango. Look for comfortable, supportive shoes with a smooth sole to help you glide across the floor and avoid injury.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of dance and fitness, check out American Dance Academy for a variety of tango classes and dance programs that will help you improve your fitness while having fun!