Dancing is one workout that allows you to march to the beat of a different drummer, beat, bop or groove. And if you’ve ever seen Dancing with the Stars, you know there’s direct evidence at how fantastic a shaper-upper it is.

The steps, patterns and music keep your mind busy while you work your heart, burn calories and tone your muscles. Before you know it, you're drenched with sweat and feel exhilarated.

Nearly everyone can find some type of dancing to enjoy, from hip-hop to country line, from Irish step to jazz, from pole dancing to waltzing, from belly to Bali.

Folks who wouldn’t be caught dead pumping iron or doing squat thrusts can help keep fit while dancing the night away.

• Dancing allows you to explore different cultures and rhythms with styles such as salsa, ballet, swing, belly dancing and, yes, disco.
  
  
• It builds balance coordination and style.
  
  
• It's also a wonderful way to meet people.
  
  
• You can have so much fun you’ll forget you’re getting exercise.
  
  
• A huge range of styles are available in a wide range of locations, from dance studio to fitness club to community center. There’s also tons of great dance-style workout DVDs on the market for all levels of exercisers.

• It's easy to get tangled in the footwork or overload your circuits if you're not a natural or you try too much too soon.
  
  
• Shy people might find it hard to get started in dancing.
  
  
• Depending on the location, the quality of instruction and attention to technique and safety can vary greatly.