Dancing in the pubs and clubs for having a blast is one thing, but counting it in your workout regime and expecting weight loss benefits out of it is simply being foolish. This is because while in a night club or at dance parties, one can certainly work up a good sweat and burn off some calories, the good effect of it all is warded off by the high calorie juices or alcohol one tends to consume alongside.

With a good mix of DJ’s blaring music and a gang of friends to party with, the evening can turn out to be great fun as well as a way to get some great exercise. Unfortunately, night clubs and parties usually come with ways to retard the weight loss benefit in the form of high-calorie drinks, snacks, and other foods.

So if you are looking at dancing as a serious form of weight loss exercise then it is advisable to just gang up with friends at someone’s place or a mutually convenient location and dance. Don’t mix it with partying and pubbing!

Dancing alone for many days will become boring and you will start treating dancing also very soon like a form of exercise. After all, there is only so much fun you can have while dancing alone. Joining a dance class is a sure shot alternative. But if you don’t have the time, money or the inclination to join a dance class or if it requires you to travel a lot to reach one, then another alternative is to have a dance party at your place. Or just have a couple of friends over if not an entire gang and dance away a few hours.

Plug in the music, create enough empty space in your room so that you don’t break anything around and practice those moves with each other. If you have the luxury of a garage, a terrace or a garden then make use of these spaces and arrange your dance session there as you will have more space and will be unlikely to get into anyone’s way. Be careful though, to not play that groovy music too loud or your dance party will soon be called off by irate family or neighbors. So go ahead and get ready to lose a few kilos the fun way with your pals!

Whether it’s Bhangra that our stars do on Bollywood songs, or the stylized or should I say Bollywoodised versions of Salsa or any other Western Dance form, or the quintessential Bollywood dance, anything to do with Bollywood dance is very high on energy and pace. So if you want to have fun and lose weight as well, joining a Bollywood dance class could be a good option for you.

Its fun-filled, its quick paced and energetic, yes, it could make you feel silly at times, but it will for sure give you a great full body workout and help you stay fit. The quick leg movements, expressive hand movements along with the shimmies, the twists and the turns makes Bollywood dance perfect for toning up and keeping in shape. 45 minutes of Bollywood dance practice everyday and you will sure lose some of those extra kilos that are making you look like an over stuffed gunny bag right now.

And if you like humming to those funky Bollywood numbers then even better. So go ahead and sign up for a Bollywood class and have a blast!

Belly dancing is the biggest fad amongst the hip, hot and happening who desire to lose weight the fun way. The who’s who of the society are turning to belly dancing classes - a new and sexier way to tone those curves and get good amount of exercise as well. Accepted that the dance form has fans like Paris Hilton, Shakira, Christina Augilera, Jennifer Aniston, Gauri Khan, Mallika Sherawat etc. and has become very very fashionable but does it really tone the body and help you lose those extra kilos?

The answer is simple. Belly dancing is a form of exercise and the more you indulge in this exercise, more you are likely to tone up. Some belly dancing classes give you a more vigorous workout than others and so they are more apt for helping you tone up. If weight loss is a priority for you, choose a belly-dancing teacher who keeps you moving continuously during the class. And also, form a habit of practicing on your own at home, on the days you don’t have the class.

When practicing at home, to get maximum weight loss benefit, dance to either drum solos, medium-speed or fast music, incorporating a large number of moves that engage your legs and hips. Don't skip slow music and finger cymbal practice as they are essential skills for becoming a better dancer. But for the purpose of weight loss, devote more time to aerobic fast music movement. You could plan your schedule like this-at least 30 minutes on vigorous dancing to fast music, then additional time as per your wish for slow music and finger cymbal practice.

And of course, Belly Dancing also gives you the added benefits of cardiovascular conditioning and maintaining strong bones. So go ahead and master those belly moves!

Dancing is a great way to exercise and lose weight. But like in any other exercise, it is important to cool down after dance and take some other precautions as well, so that you benefit from your dance routine and instead do not fall ill. Here are a few tips for you:

Take care of your worked out body

Don’t go for a cold shower immediately after your work out or do not sit in front of the AC to cool down. By doing so you’ll give yourself a cramp and probably a cold. Instead, wrap up warm as soon as you have finished dancing. After your body has cooled down, step in for a hot shower.

Drink lots of plain water

Aim to drink at least half a liter of water after your dancing routine. You can also have fresh fruit juices and lime water. Stay away from alcohol, coffee or caffeine- laden drinks soon after any vigorous dancing. Doing so could give you a headache or an uneasy feeling.

Don't leap straight into a really heavy meal

Have a small bite first if you are really hungry. Relax for some time, have a bath, then go for your main meal.

Don’t sleep immediately after dancing

Do keep some time to unwind before hitting the sack. Your body can take a long time to return to its resting state after a bout of exercise - even if the dance class is rather gentle. So going straight to bed too soon after your dancing regimen may give you a restless night.