The COVID-19 pandemic forced many who go to gyms to workout indoors where they had to think of new exercises to burn their calories. I don’t even usually work out, but I do play Just Dance and it does have health benefits if played correctly.
When I first booted up Just Dance 2021 – yes, they still make them – for the Nintendo Switch, I was shocked to find that after having danced to just three songs I was already gassed out and ready to fall over. Eventually, I did fall over and had to take a long break from the game.
After some consideration, I realized that not only had I just exercised, but also this was a great way for other people to exercise.
According to Fitness Blender, playing 30 minutes of Just Dance can burn about 300 calories. Each song burns roughly 20 calories but will vary depending on how many different dance movements you perform and how long the song you choose to dance to is.
Since there are various difficulties for the songs, it is important to pace yourself while dancing and take breaks after difficult songs. Here are a few workout routines that I follow when playing the game.
A good warm-up song needs to be fun and get you in the mood to work out while also not working too hard. When warming up on Just Dance 2021, you can use: “Adore You” by Harry Styles, “Blinding Lights” by The Weekend or “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa.
Now the real workout starts. These songs are meant to make you sweat and push you to the limit: “Buscando” by Good Times Ahead and Jenn Morel, “The Weekend” by Michael Gray or “Juice” by Lizzo.
Are you exhausted by this point? These songs can calm you down and let you have some fun near the end of your workout: “Say So” by Doja Cat, “Senorita” by Camilla Cabello and Shawn Mendes or “All The Good Girls Go To Hell” by Billie Eilish.
Just Dance is a multiplayer game. If you invite friends over, you can all exercise together. The recent version of the game allows players to play with their mobile devices instead of a Switch controller, so you don’t have to take turns.
Just Dance 2021 can be purchased at Gametop for around $20. It is also available on Amazon.
