Look good on the dance floor

Reggae Groove will put pep in your step

By Daisy Carrington, amNewYork Deputy Features Editor | dcarrington@am-ny.com

March 28, 2007

With the advent of spring comes the desire to break the bonds of winter and book it to the club. Unfortunately, winter has been cruel, and our bodies are carrying around the excess weight to prove it. So much for hitting the dance floor looking like Beyonce. Mo'Nique is more like it.

But it doesn't have to be that way. If you want to work on your moves and simultaneously get your body in good enough shape to pull off that sexy black number you bought at the end of the summer, try some moves from the New York Health and Racquet Club's dance class, Reggae Groove.

"This class allows everyone to have a fun time while stabilizing and strengthening your core. It incorporates a whole range of reggae based dance moves seen in the clubs and videos of artists such as Sean Paul and Beenie Man," says group fitness instructor Michelle Seabreeze. She recommends doing three sets of 4 reps for each exercise.

1. The Thunderclap

This move is most commonly associated with the song "Temperature" by Sean Paul. This exercise engages your core, hips, and waist. Begin with your feet shoulder width apart. Your left arm will be extended out with your palm facing outward. Bend your right arm at the elbow with your palm facing your chest. Push your right arm forward to clap you left hand and simultaneously twist your hips towards the direction of the extended arm. Repeat on the other side.

2. Over the Head

This sensual dance move your works your whole body, giving you a great cardio workout while exercising your legs, arms and shoulders. Start with your feet together, slightly wider than shoulder length apart. Step out with your left foot and swing over your head while leaning to the left. Stand up straight and swing the arm behind you. Repeat the step with the opposite side of your body.

3. Pon de River

Fans of reggae band Elephant Man will recognize this move from his videos. This exercise works the abs, calves, hamstrings and quads, and should look like you're gliding your foot along a river bank. Bend your right arm at the elbow, and hold it up at chest level. Swing your right foot and bring it across your body, then back to the side. Repeat on the opposite side of your body.